FAA Suspends Visual Separation In Class B/C for Helicopters Crossing Departures/Arrivals

[Minuteman]

Phrased using lawyer-talk, a change to JO 7110.65, AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL, will practically require the use of radar for traffic separation.

"EXCEPT FOR HELICOPTER OR POWERED-LIFT AIRCRAFT CROSSING THE FLIGHT PATH OF ARRIVING OR DEPARTING AIRCRAFT WITHIN CLASS B, CLASS C, OR TRSA AIRSPACE, VISUAL SEPARATION MAY BE APPLIED BETWEEN AIRCRAFT"

This doesn't seem controversial or heavy-handed, but might reduce efficiency/capacity in exchange. Any idea what this means for Van Nuys? What are the places where helicopters frequently cross traffic corridors?

https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/trumps-transportation-secretary-sean-p-duffy-federal-aviation-administration-announce-new

 

[ahw01]

Damn Whirlybirds


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3puV-OsWR8

 

[CFI A&P]

Any idea what this means for Van Nuys? What are the places where helicopters frequently cross traffic corridors?

Without clicking the link, do they specifically mention VNY? As is it D but under BUR’s C.

 

[Wardogg]

Damn Whirlybirds


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3puV-OsWR8

Excuse me, is that an Uzi?

You know, that would make a great TV commercial? 'Excuse me, is that an Uzi?' 'Why, yes it is. Hey, self-defense is no laughing matter! That why when I want number one I pack an Uzi... accept no substitutes.'

 

[NovemberEcho]

Without clicking the link, do they specifically mention VNY? As is it D but under BUR’s C.

It only effects B, C and TRSA

 

[CFI A&P]

It only effects B, C and TRSA

So satellite Ds under the B/C are unaffected? Clearly this is directly aimed at the DCA crash, but I'm curious if it will will address the problem of low staffing, pushing tin and maximizing arrival/ departure rates? Just last week two 121s had a conflict at EWR, so the problem isn't specifically helicopter to jets. Separation is still a problem for intersecting runways, regardless of the traffic category.

Edit: Just to be clear - controllers are doing a bang up job with what you have to work with, so in no way am I taking a swipe at ATC. Just wondering why the SecTrans thinks helicopters are the only threat here.

 

[NovemberEcho]

So satellite Ds under the B/C are unaffected? Clearly this is directly aimed at the DCA crash, but I'm curious if it will will address the problem of low staffing, pushing tin and maximizing arrival/ departure rates? Just last week two 121s had a conflict at EWR, so the problem isn't specifically helicopter to jets. Separation is still a problem for intersecting runways, regardless of the traffic category.

Edit: Just to be clear - controllers are doing a bang up job with what you have to work with, so in no way am I taking a swipe at ATC. Just wondering why the SecTrans thinks helicopters are the only threat here.

If anything this increases workload. The easiest way now is just to deny the helicopter op. The FAA wanted to get rid of the helicopter route by DCA that caused the problem but the pentagon pushed back so instead they came out with this ridiculous rule.

 

[CFI A&P]

If anything this increases workload. The easiest way now is just to deny the helicopter op. The FAA wanted to get rid of the helicopter route by DCA that caused the problem but the pentagon pushed back so instead they came out with this ridiculous rule.

So basically some scented candles to treat glioblastoma, sounds about right.