KDCA - Baltimore/Washington Helicopter Route Chart Updates

[baldiedc]

Updates to Baltimore/Washington Helicopter Route Chart following the 1/29/25 crash...

[baldiedc]

3/13/25 - Attaching the notices from FAA for updated helicopter routes around DCA following NTSB recommendations; also designation of 3 "cautionary areas" for high density of helicopter and fixed wing traffic below 1500ft, at - Memorial Bridge, Hains Point/South Capitol area, and Wilson Bridge.

[baldiedc]

6/12/25 - FAA statement and updated route chart which formalizes the "Broad Creek Transition" south of the Wilson Bridge instead of Route 3, and changed to the Zone 3/4 boundaries to formalize separation from the river.

Following the March route revisions, helicopters have been directed by DCA Tower to stay 1.5-2 miles from the river, and to take Broad Creek transition or remain 2 miles South of Wilson Bridge - usually during Northbound approach operations to Rwy 1, but more flexibility during Southbound departure operations from Rwy 19; this change formalizes closure of Route 3 across the Wilson Bridge and use of Broad Creek Transition.

https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/faa-statement-updated-dca-helicopter-charts

https://aeronav.faa.gov/visual/06-12-2025/PDFs/Balt-Wash_Heli.pdf