FAA Finds Safety Issues at Las Vegas Airport, Plans Further Changes

A federal review prompted by the fatal January midair collision in Washington, D.C. uncovered significant safety issues at Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport, where busy airspace is shared by airplanes and tour helicopters. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) found that tower controllers were not issuing sufficient traffic advisories and that agreements with local helicopter operators lacked clear vertical and lateral separation requirements, mirroring the circumstances that contributed to the D.C. crash. In response, the FAA quickly implemented new protocols, including increased traffic advisories and greater control over helicopter movements, resulting in a 30% decrease in collision alert reports within three weeks. The FAA plans further safety enhancements at Las Vegas and other 'hotspot' airports, using AI to analyze incident data and identify additional risk areas nationwide. Experts emphasized that improved communication and stricter adherence to separation rules are key to preventing future accidents. The measures have provided reassurance to travelers and signal a broader national effort to address mixed-aircraft airspace safety.