Fox News Reports Pentagon Suspends Helicopter Flights Near Airport

The Pentagon has suspended all helicopter flight operations near Reagan National Airport following a recent safety incident where an Army helicopter caused two commercial flights to abort their landings, prompting concerns about air safety and the use of military helicopters in the area.

The incident occurred last week when an Army helicopter, a Blackhawk, was taking a different route than expected, prompting air traffic controllers to divert the commercial flights. The Army unit, the 12th Aviation Battalion, which transports VIPs and conducts training, has paused its operations near the airport. The FAA has restricted all non-essential helicopter operations around DCA, except for urgent missions.

The suspension has sparked a public disagreement between Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Defense Secretary Tommy Hegseth over air safety. Duffy has criticized the Pentagon for not disclosing more information about helicopter flights in the region, while Hegseth has suspended helicopter flights to the Pentagon. The two Cabinet members have a history of public disagreements, and this latest clash has played out on Fox News.

Experts believe the suspension is a sign of the Army recognizing a potential systemic problem and may lead to tighter restrictions in the future. The incident is under investigation, and the Army remains committed to aviation safety. The FAA has complained that the military has taken a "scenic route" around the Pentagon, disregarding FAA rules.

The incident has raised concerns about the number of military helicopters in the area and their use of transmitters that give air traffic controllers a precise picture of their position, speed, and direction. The two agencies are working to find a solution that addresses the military's needs while maintaining safety for the traveling public.