The Federal Aviation Administration is rolling out new safety measures at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
On Wednesday (April 2), the FAA announced plans to boost support and oversight for air traffic controllers at DCA. This includes increasing the number of operational supervisors from six to eight.
The agency is also investigating the airport’s current arrival rates, noting that they are “disproportionately concentrated within the last 30 minutes of each hour.”
These changes come after urgent recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board following a January 29 crash between a U.S. Army helicopter and a commercial airliner that resulted in 67 fatalities.
“The FAA is taking a series of steps to improve safety around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport that follows the NTSB’s recommendations,” the agency stated.
To support controllers’ well-being, a Critical Incident Stress Management team will visit DCA in early April. They’ll offer confidential support for staff who’ve experienced stressful events. The FAA is also implementing regular wellness checks at the facility.
As part of its enhanced safety measures, the agency plans to review Certified Professional Controller staffing numbers at DCA.
Statement
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is increasing support and oversight for the air traffic controller team at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). The FAA is also evaluating current arrival rates at DCA.To support the well-being of controllers, a Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team will visit DCA in early April, offering confidential support for staff following stressful events. The FAA will also conduct regular wellness checks at the facility.
Additional Actions:
-
Increase Operational Supervisor staffing from six to eight
-
Review Certified Professional Controller staffing numbers at DCA
-
Review DCA’s arrival rate of aircraft per hour, which is disproportionately concentrated within the last 30 minutes of each hour
