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FAA ends 'see-and-avoid' for helicopters near major U.S. airports, mandates radar separation

The FAA has suspended reliance on visual 'see-and-avoid' separation for helicopters operating in busy terminal airspace (Class B, Class C and TRSAs) and now requires radar-based separation when helicopters or powered-lift aircraft cross airplane approach/departure paths. The rule follows the Jan. 2025 Potomac midair collision that killed 67.

Discovered 2026-03-18T07:00:44.458477-07:00 | 2026-03-18T07:00:44.458477-07:00

Briefing

What Hype is tracking

  • The FAA’s move replaces a long-standing visual separation practice in terminal airspace, requiring radar-based separation that will change ATC procedures, helicopter routings and operator approvals; it follows the Jan. 29 Potomac midair collision and related NTSB findings (Jan. 29 Potomac midair collision).

  • The rule codifies post-crash airspace changes and will force equipment, training and SOP updates for helicopter and powered-lift operators and airports, building on the FAA’s permanent DCA helicopter restrictions implemented after the accident (DCA helicopter restrictions made permanent).

Reported By

ndtahq.com news.bgov.com airportindustry-news.com travelandtourworld.com aerospaceglobalnews.com avbrief.com
Sources Tracked
34
First Seen
2026-03-18T07:00:44.458477-07:00
Latest Update
2026-03-24T19:12:24.459923-07:00
Coverage
Aviation

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