FAA Publishes New Washington, D.C.-area Helicopter Route Charts | Aviation International News

FAA Publishes New D.C.-area Helicopter Route Charts

Notes added to clarify altitude and operational instructions

DCA chart changes — The FAA highlighted changes to the Washington DC and Baltimore helicopter route chart following the January 29 midair collision between a PSA Airlines CRJ700 and U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter.

By Matt Thurber • Editor-in-Chief

October 7, 2025

The FAA has updated the helicopter route chart for the Washington, D.C. area as part of the regular 52-day update cycle and incorporated permanent changes after the January 29 midair collision between a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 and U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. Helicopter Route 4, which the Black Hawk was following, no longer exists, and Route 1 and other routes have been modified, both near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (KDCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (KIAD), and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (KBWI).

According to the FAA, Route 1 and 5 are to be used only by priority aircraft such as medical and law enforcement operations “unless specifically authorized by air traffic control.” This change was enacted immediately after the accident.

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