FAA Suspends Visual Separation Procedures for Helicopters by Air Traffic Control
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has suspended the authority for air traffic controllers to apply visual separation between helicopters. This immediate action follows a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation into a fatal 2023 mid-air collision involving two firefighting helicopters. The NTSB found that the controller's use of this procedure contributed to the accident. Consequently, controllers must now use other forms of separation, such as radar or standard vertical and lateral minimums. The FAA is reviewing the procedure to determine future safety guidance for helicopter operations.
Official Source: https://aviationweek.com/business-aviation/safety-ops-regulation/faa-suspends-helicopter-atc-visual-separations
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