FAA EXPOSES Shocking Helicopter Danger at LAS Vegas Airport
— A federal review after January’s deadly jet-helicopter crash in Washington, D.C. found serious safety problems at Las Vegas’s Harry Reid International Airport. The FAA quickly changed helicopter flying rules to protect travelers. In just three weeks, alerts for possible plane collisions dropped by 30%. The FAA discovered that past deals with helicopter companies did not clearly set safe distances, and air traffic controllers were not giving enough warnings to pilots. “We acted fast by taking more control over helicopters and giving pilots better traffic updates,” said acting FAA administrator Chris Rocheleau. He promised even stronger steps in Las Vegas and other busy airports. After a fatal sightseeing helicopter crash in New York this April, the FAA is creating a new committee to suggest ways to make commercial air tours safer for everyone.
