Sky News Daily Washington plane crash: What we know so far
Jan 30, 2025
Sean Bell, a former Royal Air Force Air Vice-Marshal and Sky's military analyst, teams up with Michael McCormick, a professor of Air Traffic Management and former FAA employee. They dive into the tragic mid-air collision between an American Airlines flight and a military helicopter, exploring air traffic control regulations and protocols in busy airspace. The discussion highlights the challenges of pilot situational awareness and the emotional aftermath affecting the aviation community. Insights into safety measures aim to prevent future tragedies.
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Episode notes
Controlled Airspace Collision
- Civilian and military aircraft share airspace, following procedures for deconfliction.
- The collision raises questions about how this could happen in controlled airspace.
Shared Airspace
- Shared airspace between civilian and military aircraft is common, especially near Washington.
- Military helicopters often fly low, typically around 200 feet, and utilize designated routes.
Unusual Landing Request
- The Bombardier CR7 was asked to land on a smaller runway (33) due to an unusual circumstance.
- This required the aircraft to maneuver from its original approach path, potentially affecting situational awareness.