FAA to Review Airports with High Copter, Airplane Traffic

The Federal Aviation Administration said Thursday it has begun reviewing airports with high volumes of mixed helicopter and airplane traffic nearby after a fatal collision last week near Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C.

In the aftermath of the crash between an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, the FAA imposed significant restrictions on helicopter flights around Reagan National until at least late this month, and two of the airport's lesser-used runways remain closed.

Senate Commerce Committee Chair Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said earlier Thursday that he asked the FAA to review other airports with high helicopter and airplane traffic for safety issues.