Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Matt Thurber

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.
Other changes include reducing the boundaries of Zones 1, 2, and 5 and adding notes to the <a href="https://aeronav.faa.gov/visual/10-02-2025/PDFs/Balt-Wash_Heli.pdf">chart</a> “to improve clarity around altitude and operational instructions.” With the elimination of Route 4, there is now no VFR helicopter route south past KDCA.
The closest route is where Route 1 turns east past Hains Point about half a mile from KDCA, and helicopters flying south past the Memorial Bridge and Hains point “should be at or below 200 feet,” according to the chart. These are VFR routes and the FAA’s definition of “should” means that a procedure is recommended, so these altitudes are still not mandatory. “All routes may be altered at pilot’s request or as directed by ATC,” according to the chart notes.
Since the midair collision, the FAA has changed procedures “to eliminate helicopter and fixed-wing mixed traffic near the airport “ and closed Route 4 permanentaly between Hains Point and the Wilson Bridge. It also has “revised agreements with the military to require ADS-B Out broadcasting “ and “eliminated the use of visual separation within 5 miles of the airport .”

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

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

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

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

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News and issues relating to civil and military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) of all kinds and sizes, including those used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat (unmanned combat air vehicles, or UCAVs), law enforcement, research and other applications. Of particular focus is the FAA's planned integration of UAS into the U.S. national airspace system.

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News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

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News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

New developments at airports including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

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