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
Summer fishing trip turns deadly as lightning strike claims lives of 2 teens: 'Full of promise'

Summer fishing trip turns deadly as lightning strike claims lives of 2 teens: ‘Full of promise’

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A summer fishing trip…
Iceland volcano erupts, prompting evacuation of town and geothermal spa

Volcano Eruption in Iceland Triggers Evacuation of Nearby Town and Geothermal Spa

According to the national broadcaster RUV, a volcanic eruption in southwestern Iceland…
Barack and Michelle Obama finally address divorce speculation

Barack and Michelle Obama Respond to Recent Divorce Rumors

Barack and Michelle Obama have finally spoken about the condition of their…
Mom brutally slammed over 'narcissistic' response to pregnancy reveal

Mom harshly criticized for ‘self-absorbed’ reaction to pregnancy announcement

A woman whose mom was fiercely slammed over her ‘rude’ reaction to…
Russia renews attacks on Ukraine with countdown to US deadline underway

Russia Resumes Strikes on Ukraine as US Deadline Approaches

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) Russian weapons pounded four Ukrainian cities overnight from Tuesday…
New person of interest emerges in documentary on decades-old disappearance of Iowa news anchor

New person of interest emerges in documentary on decades-old disappearance of Iowa news anchor

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Three decades after an…
Man sentenced after handcuffed child was mauled by family dog

Man Sentenced After Family Dog Attacks Handcuffed Child

Editor’s Note: This story contains discussions of child abuse that may be…
Billionaire GOP donor Ken Langone reverses course on Trump after calling tariffs ‘bulls–t’

Billionaire GOP Donor Ken Langone Shifts Stance on Trump After Criticizing Tariffs

Ken Langone, a billionaire who donates to the GOP, recently expressed admiration…