US EditionSenators seek to change bill that allows military to operate just like before the DC plane crash
The provision would allow military aircraft to operate without broadcasting location, reversing safety reforms after a January crash that killed 67, NTSB and senators warn.
- On Tuesday, the House passed the $900 billion, 3,086-page National Defense Authorization Act that includes Section 373 , allowing military training missions near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
- After the January collision, the NTSB continues to investigate the midair crash that killed 67 people, while the FAA and Department of Defense require military aircraft in D.C. to use ADS-B Out.
- NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy said the agency 'vehemently opposes' Section 373, calling it a 'major step backwards,' while Tim and Sheri Lilley warned, 'The flying public and all those that utilize our airspace deserve better than what this bill provides.'
- Senators filed amendments Thursday to remove helicopter safety provisions, urging adoption of the bipartisan ROTOR Act, but the Senate is expected to consider the bill next week with unlikely final changes.
- With Congress leaving for a holiday break, advocates urged immediate adoption of the ROTOR Act and laws requiring ADS-B Out 'as soon as possible' to close national-security exemptions.
104 Articles
104 Articles
Another Deadly Plane Collision Could Occur in D.C., Safety Official Warns, in Fight with Lawmakers Over Pending Bill
Congressional leaders are defending a new provision in the legislation: “We all care deeply about and are fully committed to ensuring aviation safety”NEED TO KNOWA conflict between the NTSB and Congress was sparked by language in the National Defense Authorization Act meant to address how military aircraft operate around passenger planes in D.C.This week, NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy called it a “significant safety setback”Lawmakers on Capitol Hi…
Senators from both parties pressed Thursday to change a massive defense bill after accident investigators and victims' families warned that the legislation would undo key security reforms resulting from a collision between a passenger plane and an Army helicopter over Washington, DC, which killed 67 people. The director of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigating the accident, a group of victims' relatives and Trade Committe…
After DC collision, House strips new constraints on military flights
Lawmakers and the National Transportation Safety Board warned Congress's annual defense bill threatens what they view as critical changes made following a fatal collision near Washington, D.C. in January.
St Louis Post-Dispatch
News & RecordAir traffic safety changes sought in defense bill
Senators from both parties pushed Thursday for changes to a massive defense bill after crash investigators and victims' families warned the legislation would undo key safety reforms stemming from a collision between an airliner and Army helicopter over Washington, D.C.,…
Charlotte homeowner honors D.C. plane crash victims, including figure skaters from Boston
A holiday display in Charlotte, North Carolina, is honoring the 67 D.C. plane crash victims on Flight 5342, including the skaters, parents, and coaches from The Skating Club of Boston.
District Links: Area leaders warn against expanding military access to DC airspace; House bill seeks to rename BLM Plaza for Charlie Kirk; and more
Regional leaders are echoing objections raised by the National Transportation Safety Board about a provision in the final version of the fiscal year 2026 national defense funding bill that would permit exemptions to restrictions on military aircraft flying in the Washington area.
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