F.A.A. Probes Safety Alert Triggered by Air Force Jets Near Delta Flight

FAA Investigating Close Call Between U.S. Air Force Jets and Delta Air Lines Flight at Reagan National Airport

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently investigating a concerning incident that occurred on Friday at Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. Four U.S. Air Force jets were reported to have come dangerously close to a Delta Air Lines commercial flight that was in the process of taking off from the busy airport, prompting immediate action from air traffic controllers to ensure the safety of all aircraft involved.

The incident unfolded around 3:15 p.m. when Delta Flight 2983 was cleared for takeoff. At the same time, four Air Force T-38 Talon jets were on their way to Arlington National Cemetery to participate in a ceremonial flyover. The FAA confirmed that shortly after takeoff, the onboard traffic collision avoidance system in the Delta flight detected the proximity of the military jets, which triggered a safety alert indicating potential danger.

The purpose of the traffic collision avoidance system is to assist pilots in averting midair collisions by providing instructions for separation; typically, it advises one aircraft to climb while instructing the other to descend, in order to maintain a safe distance. Upon receiving the alert, air traffic controllers swiftly issued separation instructions to the Delta flight and the Air Force T-38 jets, effectively preventing what could have been a disastrous midair collision.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported in this incident, and the Delta flight continued its journey, landing safely at its final destination in Minneapolis. Delta Air Lines issued a statement emphasizing its commitment to passenger safety, noting that the flight crew followed established procedures to manage the aircraft as directed by air traffic control. “Nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and people,” the airline stated.

The U.S. Air Force has yet to respond officially to requests for comment regarding the incident. However, this close call follows a serious and tragic event that occurred two months earlier, when American Airlines Flight 5342 collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter during a training mission, resulting in the deaths of 67 individuals aboard both aircraft. This previous incident has heightened awareness and scrutiny surrounding the operations of military flights in proximity to commercial air traffic.

In light of the recent close call and the past tragic accident, there has been increasing concern from Congress and various stakeholders about military aviation practices near commercial airports. On Thursday, senators from a subcommittee held an investigative hearing addressing the January collision, interrogating the FAA administrator as well as the director of aviation for the U.S. Army about the procedures that have permitted military aircraft to frequently operate too closely to commercial flights at National Airport.

Following the deadly incident in January, the FAA made decisive moves to improve air traffic safety. They closed the helicopter route involved in the previous collision and implemented new regulations requiring aircraft operating near National Airport to broadcast their positions. This new measure aims to enhance air traffic control’s ability to manage and supervise traffic in the congested airspace surrounding the airport, thereby reducing the risks of future incidents.

The FAA has also released alarming statistics regarding aviation safety at National Airport, revealing that from 2021 to 2024, there were over 15,000 close calls involving commercial aircraft and helicopters. These figures underscore the pressing need for heightened vigilance and regulatory oversight to ensure the safety of all aircraft operating in shared airspace.

As the FAA continues its investigation into the recent Delta flight incident, the aviation community, including federal authorities and airline companies, is urged to reassess existing protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The coordination between military and commercial air traffic is critical in maintaining safety standards, and this latest incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers present in modern aviation operations.

In conclusion, the FAA’s investigation into the close call involving the Delta flight and U.S. Air Force jets will likely foster dialogue around aviation safety policies and practices, indicating that comprehensive measures are necessary to protect both military and civilian aircraft in the skies above.