U.S. DoT Secretary Discusses Airspace Reform After Fatal Helicopter Collision

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy revealed he had spoken with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk about potential reforms to the U.S. airspace following a fatal collision between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet last week. The incident, which occurred as the American Airlines flight was approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, resulted in the deaths of all 64 people aboard the American flight and the three military crew members on the Black Hawk, which was on a training mission. This crash marked the deadliest U.S. airline accident since 2001.

During a roadway transportation event in Washington, Duffy shared insights from his conversation with Musk, noting the SpaceX CEO’s unique perspective and expertise. Duffy acknowledged that Musk has access to some of the world’s best engineers and technology professionals, which could be instrumental in reforming U.S. airspace. “We’re going to remake our airspace, and we’re going to do it quickly,” Duffy stated, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the challenges in the nation’s airspace management.

Duffy’s remarks came in the wake of last week’s tragedy, which highlighted the complexities of managing both commercial aviation and military air traffic in congested areas such as Washington, D.C.’s airspace. The Department of Transportation (DOT) is now exploring ways to improve air traffic control systems, particularly following incidents where military helicopters are sharing airspace with commercial airplanes.

Airspace Oversight and Reform Discussions
Duffy did not elaborate on the specifics of the airspace reforms but mentioned reviewing current policies and procedures inside air traffic control towers. Notably, Duffy pointed out that one air traffic controller was handling both airplanes and helicopters at the time of the crash, suggesting a need for better management of such critical tasks. “We’re going to pull that authority back to make sure that we have the right policies in place inside our towers to make sure when you fly, you’re safe,” Duffy affirmed.

Additionally, Duffy raised concerns about the safety of conducting military training missions at night and questioned the necessity of military officials using helicopters in certain situations. He argued that if generals are flying helicopters for convenience, alternatives, like driving, should be considered. “That’s not acceptable,” Duffy said. “Get in a damn Suburban and drive.”

SpaceX’s Role and FAA Oversight
SpaceX shares U.S. airspace with commercial airplanes, with the FAA overseeing both commercial aviation and Musk’s space endeavors. Musk has previously expressed frustration with the FAA, threatening to sue over what he described as “regulatory overreach” when the agency did not approve SpaceX’s launch licenses quickly enough. Last month, a Starship rocket failure led to significant debris falling near the Caribbean, causing dozens of commercial flights to divert or delay.

Ongoing Investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the collision. While the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, Duffy’s comments reflect ongoing discussions aimed at improving airspace management and ensuring safer skies for both commercial and military flights.

As the U.S. continues to face challenges with modernizing its air traffic control systems and addressing the shortage of air traffic controllers, reforms in airspace management remain a priority. Duffy’s meeting with Musk could signal a new approach to solving long-standing issues in airspace safety and efficiency.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, cnbc.com