WAHSINGTON – Pilots and federal safety officials are sounding the alarm over a provision in the new Defense Bill that would allow military helicopters to operate in Washington, D.C., without key collision-avoidance technology. They argue the change rolls back critical safeguards put in place after a mid air disaster that killed 67 people earlier this year. Safety advocates are now urging Congress to remove the provision entirely, warning the risk to the public simply isn’t worth it.
Controversial defense bill clause could weaken D.C. aviation protections