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The Air Current • Elan Head

FAA issues interim rule banning most helicopters near Reagan National, codifies DCA restrictions

The FAA issued an interim rule to permanently codify existing DCA helicopter restrictions, effectively banning most helicopters and powered‑lift operations near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport after the Jan. 29, 2025 midair collision that killed 67. The change converts temporary operational limits into binding regulation.

2026-01-22T10:36:44.651402-08:00

AINonline

FAA Bedford demonstration charts path to a quieter, more seamless U.S. ATC system

2026-01-22T11:11:53.683036-08:00

AeroTime

Major U.S. winter storm prompts widespread airline waivers, risks hub disruptions

2026-01-22T01:54:58.556134-08:00

FlightGlobal

FAA seeks wireless-industry subsidies to fund $4.5B radio-altimeter upgrades amid 5G interference concerns

2026-01-20T18:32:26.663072-08:00

News Timeline

AINonline

FAA Bedford demonstration charts path to a quieter, more seamless U.S. ATC system FAA Administrator Bedford presented a demonstration outlining steps toward a quieter, more seamless U.S. air‑traffic control system, highlighting technologies and operational changes being considered to reduce noise and improve traffic flow. The briefing maps an industry‑facing path for modernization and community noise mitigation.

2026-01-22T11:11:53.683036-08:00

FAA Bedford demonstration charts path to a quieter, more seamless U.S. ATC system

The Air Current

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FAA issues interim rule banning most helicopters near Reagan National, codifies DCA restrictions The FAA issued an interim rule to permanently codify existing DCA helicopter restrictions, effectively banning most helicopters and powered‑lift operations near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport after the Jan. 29, 2025 midair collision that killed 67. The change converts temporary operational limits into binding regulation.

2026-01-22T10:36:44.651402-08:00

FAA issues interim rule banning most helicopters near Reagan National, codifies DCA restrictions

AeroTime

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Major U.S. winter storm prompts widespread airline waivers, risks hub disruptions A major winter storm tracking from the central and southern plains toward the East Coast has led the largest U.S. carriers to issue travel advisories and broad waivers — including Delta's fee-free change policy — as airlines prepare for cancellations and hub disruption through the weekend.

2026-01-22T01:54:58.556134-08:00

Major U.S. winter storm prompts widespread airline waivers, risks hub disruptions

FlightGlobal

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FAA seeks wireless-industry subsidies to fund $4.5B radio-altimeter upgrades amid 5G interference concerns The FAA is exploring arrangements under which U.S. cellular providers would contribute to financing roughly $4.5 billion to upgrade tens of thousands of aircraft radio altimeters, according to recently released meeting memos. The moves aim to mitigate operational risks from 5G C-band deployments that can interfere with altimeter signals.

2026-01-20T18:32:26.663072-08:00

FAA seeks wireless-industry subsidies to fund $4.5B radio-altimeter upgrades amid 5G interference concerns

AeroTime

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FAA warns pilots to expect airspace disruptions as US launch cadence rises The FAA is warning pilots to expect increasing airspace disruptions, reroutes and NOTAMs as US orbital launch activity grows, citing recent mishaps — including a 2025 SpaceX explosion — that have forced urgent closures and operational changes over launch ranges and adjacent air routes.

2026-01-20T13:08:09.248457-08:00

FAA warns pilots to expect airspace disruptions as US launch cadence rises

Washington Post

Are TSA and air-traffic employees being paid? Live-chat answers on shutdown pay Reporters hosted a live chat answering whether Transportation Security Administration officers and air-traffic personnel are being paid during the government shutdown. The session addressed who is designated 'excepted', what unpaid status means in practice, and how pay uncertainty could affect airport screening and ATC operations.

2026-01-20T10:39:19.181718-08:00

Are TSA and air-traffic employees being paid? Live-chat answers on shutdown pay

Reuters

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Bipartisan US spending deal funds 2,500 air-traffic controllers and $2.4B for Amtrak A bipartisan U.S. spending deal introduced Tuesday by lawmakers provides funding to hire 2,500 air‑traffic controllers and allocates $2.4 billion to Amtrak, while channeling additional billions to transportation and housing programs and cutting funds intended for electric‑vehicle charging and high‑speed rail.

2026-01-20T06:49:56.652322-08:00

Bipartisan US spending deal funds 2,500 air-traffic controllers and $2.4B for Amtrak

UK Defence Journal

UK confirms Irish consent required for military flights and RAF interceptions The UK Ministry of Defence said UK military aircraft do not enter Irish airspace for operational purposes without express agreement from the Irish government. Ministers added RAF interception missions require prior Dublin consent, underscoring Ireland's reliance on partners for air policing.

2026-01-20T03:54:24.850255-08:00

UK confirms Irish consent required for military flights and RAF interceptions

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ATC News

FAA issues interim rule banning most helicopters near Reagan National, codifies DCA restrictions

FAA Bedford demonstration charts path to a quieter, more seamless U.S. ATC system

Major U.S. winter storm prompts widespread airline waivers, risks hub disruptions

FAA seeks wireless-industry subsidies to fund $4.5B radio-altimeter upgrades amid 5G interference concerns

News Timeline