FAA Wants to Ban Helicopters Near Washington Airport After Crash

Most helicopters would be banned from flying near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport under a US Federal Aviation Administration interim rule released Thursday, a week before the anniversary of a midair collision that killed 67 people.

The FAA rule would only allow helicopters and certain “powered-lift” aircraft conducting essential operations for medical, law enforcement and national security purposes — including carrying the president or vice president — to use the airspace.

The so-called “interim final rule” makes permanent the restrictions imposed after an accident involving a US Army helicopter and American Airlines Group Inc. regional jet. It follows a recommendation ...