Army halts Pentagon helicopter flights after close call
The U.S. Army has once again suspended helicopter flights in the area around the Pentagon after two civilian flights were forced to change course near Reagan Airport outside Washington, D.C. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy responded to the decision.
What do you need to know?
- Flight suspension: The U.S. Army decided to suspend helicopter flights around the Pentagon after two civilian airplanes had to change course near Reagan Airport.
- Reason for the decision: The decision came after an incident on Thursday when a military helicopter forced two passenger planes to change course.
- Secretary’s reaction: Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy called for an end to flights in the crowded airspace, emphasizing that safety must be a priority.
Why were helicopter flights suspended?
The U.S. Army decided to suspend helicopter flights around the Pentagon following an incident near Reagan Airport. Two civilian airplanes were forced to change course, raising concerns about safety in the crowded airspace. Helicopter flights had previously been reinstated after a crash involving a military helicopter and a passenger plane in January.
What were the reactions to the incident?
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy expressed his dissatisfaction with the situation, urging the Pentagon to halt flights in the crowded airspace. He stressed that safety must always come first. Duffy recalled the January crash, in which 67 people died, and suggested that VIPs should consider alternative means of transportation, such as taxis or limousines.
What’s next for flights around the Pentagon?
The decision to suspend helicopter flights around the Pentagon remains in effect until the latest incident is clarified. The Pentagon is located near Reagan Airport, making the airspace particularly crowded. Authorities must now find a way to ensure safety for both military and civilian flights.
