US FAA tightens helicopter safety rules near major airports

WASHINGTON, March 18 (Reuters) - The Federal Aviation Administration said Wednesday it is tightening helicopter safety rules and will suspend use of visual separation between airplanes and helicopters near major airports.

The announcement follows the January 2025 mid-air collision between an American Airlines regional jet and Army helicopter that killed 67 people. The FAA cited two recent incidents in issuing the new rules including a near miss involving an American Airlines flight and police helicopter near the San Antonio airport.

The requirement suspends visual separation in key airspace near airports.

"Where helicopters cross airport arrival or departure paths, air traffic controllers will use radar to keep the aircraft specific lateral or vertical distances apart," the FAA said.

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said a year-long review showed issues.

"We identified an overreliance on pilot ‘see and avoid’ operations that contribute to safety events involving helicopters and airplanes," Bedford said.

After the 2025 collision, the FAA restricted helicopter traffic around Reagan Washington National Airport and has imposed other restrictions at other airports including Baltimore, Las Vegas and Washington Dulles.