FAA increasing air traffic control staff, supervisors at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
Share and Follow

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is increasing support and oversight for the air traffic controller team at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) following a fatal midair collision over the Potomac River that claimed the lives of 67 people.

In a statement on Wednesday, the FAA announced it will increase operational supervisor staffing from six to eight people, and review certified professional controller staffing numbers at DCA.

The change comes after the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued safety recommendations for DCA following the deadly Jan. 29 collision involving a commercial plane and an Army Black Hawk helicopter.

DC plane crash site

Wreckage is seen in the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, on Jan. 30. (Petty Officer 1st Class Brandon Giles, U.S. Coast Guard via AP)

In response to the crash, which happened during an Army flight check, the FAA said it will also be sending its Critical Incident Stress Management team “to support the well-being of controllers” this month.

The team will offer confidential support to staff “following stressful events,” according to the statement.

Regular wellness checks will also be conducted at the facility.

The FAA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Idiot tourists narrowly avoid being gored by bison in Yellowstone

Tourists Have Close Encounter with Bison in Yellowstone National Park

In a nerve-wracking incident at Yellowstone National Park, two tourists had a…
Chicago carjacker gets 10 years in prison for stealing elderly woman's luxury Rolls-Royce: police

Chicago Carjacker Sentenced to 10 Years for High-Profile Rolls-Royce Theft from Elderly Woman

A man found guilty of carjacking a Rolls-Royce from an elderly woman…
Sally Kirkland, stage and screen star who earned an Oscar nomination in 'Anna,' dies at age 84

Oscar-Nominated Actress Sally Kirkland Passes Away at 84

Sally Kirkland, a former model who transitioned into a prolific career on…
World told to brace for 'severe geomagnetic storm' TOMORROW

Prepare for Intense Geomagnetic Storm Predicted to Hit Tomorrow

Beginning Wednesday, Earth is bracing for a powerful influx of charged solar…
Families sue Camp Mystic over deadly Texas flood, allege negligence and profit motive

Families File Lawsuit Against Camp Mystic: Allegations of Negligence and Profit Motive in Devastating Texas Flood

The families of seven young girls and camp counselors who tragically lost…
ByHeart baby formula recall linked to infant botulism outbreak is expanding | Here's what to know

Expansion of ByHeart Baby Formula Recall Due to Link to Infant Botulism Outbreak: Essential Information You Need to Know

ByHeart, a company known for its organic baby formula, has initiated a…
Travel turmoil deepens as House prepares for shutdown vote

Travel Chaos Looms Amid House’s Crucial Shutdown Vote: What You Need to Know

The House may soon consider a Senate-approved bill aimed at reopening the…
5 MS-13 gang members found guilty in string of gruesome California killings, bodies dumped off cliffs

California Terror: MS-13 Gang Convicted in Chilling Cliffside Murders

On Tuesday, five members of the notorious MS-13 gang were convicted for…