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FAA Investigates Laser Incident Involving National Guard Helicopter in North Dakota
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation following reports from the crew of a National Guard Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter who claimed to be “illuminated” by a green laser while approximately two miles from Hector International Airport in North Dakota.
This incident, which took place around 9 p.m. local time on Thursday, fortunately resulted in no injuries, as confirmed by the FAA.
According to Army officials, the helicopter was operating under the National Guard’s jurisdiction. The FAA has communicated with local authorities and is conducting a thorough investigation into the matter.
Recent Aviation Safety Concerns
This incident comes on the heels of a tragic helicopter crash in Jersey City, New Jersey, which occurred on April 10 and resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including three children. Such instances raise significant concerns about aviation safety amid increasing air traffic.
The recent laser illumination of the Black Hawk helicopter serves as a stark reminder of the risks that both civilian and military aircraft face. In a separate incident earlier this year, an Army Black Hawk collided midair with a passenger plane over the Potomac River during a flight check, resulting in the loss of 67 lives with no survivors.
FAA’s Response to Safety Challenges
In light of such incidents, the FAA has committed to improving safety measures around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Since January, officials have noted over 15,000 instances where planes were alerted to the proximity of helicopters.
In March, the FAA implemented permanent restrictions on non-essential helicopter traffic around DCA, which includes eliminating mixed traffic patterns between helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, as well as closing specific helicopter routes as per recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board.
Ongoing Safety Measures
The FAA has also restricted the simultaneous use of certain runways and limited visual separation to specific operations belonging to the Coast Guard, Marines, and Park Police outside of restricted airspace to ensure the safety and efficiency of air travel.
As investigations continue, the National Guard has yet to respond to inquiries regarding this latest incident. The growing focus on aviation safety underscores the challenges faced by authorities in mitigating risks associated with air travel.
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