Originally Posted by
LowObservable
...why does Route 5 remain almost completely shut down, and not by the FAA? I have 100% visual and audible on every Route 5 movement from The Lair, even if I'm not at my desk. Seen two operations since the accident.
It would appear that while DoD reevaluates its helicopter operations inside the Beltway, it has shifted training flights to outside the Beltway. The only exception appears to be the USCG MH65s as they are based at DCA but even those are now flying more outside the Beltway.
If Route 5 is not being used (and Route 4 is shutdown), how are military helicopters accessing JPN?
Prior to the DCA accident, I don’t know that I’d ever seen a UH-60 out my way on Route 9 in nearly 3 decades. Now PAT UH-60s are almost a daily occurrence on Route 9 (saw/heard 4 yesterday). The ADW-based UH-1Ns are also flying Route 9 more frequently.
I maintain the the DC helicopter routes (including Route 4) interior to the Beltway are not inherently unsafe if used with appropriate restrictions and ATC-applied separation.