FAA Mandates Radar for Airplane, Helicopter Separation

The FAA issued a general notice yesterday that eliminates the use of visual separation between airplanes and helicopters in Class B, Class C, and Terminal Radar Service Area airspace. According to the FAA, “Where helicopters cross airport arrival or departure paths, air traffic controllers will use radar to keep the aircraft specific lateral or vertical distances apart.”

Following the midair collision between a PSA Airlines CRJ700 and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter on Jan. 29, 2025, the FAA conducted a review of cross-traffic data and incident reports. The analysis showed that visual separation in high-traffic areas “was not enough of a safety mitigation tool,” the FAA explained.

“Today, we are proactively mitigating risks before they affect the traveling public,” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. “Following the midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, we looked at similar operations across the national airspace. We identified an over-reliance on pilot ‘see and avoid’ operations that contribute to safety events involving helicopters and airplanes.”

The new restrictions may cause helicopter operators who have previously received immediate approval to transit the affected areas to fly a different route or endure delays. Airlines may be disrupted, the FAA added, while priority clearance is provided for urgent medical or law enforcement helicopter missions. The general notice takes effect immediately.