A deadly midair collision between an American Airlines passenger jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Washington, D.C., has raised questions about air traffic control staffing and leadership transitions in the Federal Aviation Administration.
The crash, which claimed the lives of all 67 people aboard both vessels, occurred just before President Donald Trump announced he appointed 22-year FAA veteran Christopher Rocheleau as acting FAA administrator, following the resignation of Mike Whitaker.
Why It Matters
The FAA is responsible for overseeing air traffic control operations and ensuring aviation safety across the U.S. The collision has raised concerns about how staffing shortages and administrative changes may have impacted air traffic management at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
What to Know
An internal FAA report found that staffing in the airport's air traffic control tower was "not normal for the time of day and volume of traffic," according to the New York Times. A single controller was responsible for handling both helicopters and airplanes—tasks that are typically divided between two controllers.
Christopher Rocheleau was formally appointed as acting administrator on January 30, in the afternoon, just hours after the midair tragedy occurred near the Potomac River in D.C.
Trump said of Rocheleau: "He's a very capable guy."
Who is FAA Chief Mike Whitaker and When Did He Step Down?
FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker, who was confirmed for a five-year term in October 2023, announced in December 2024 that he would step down on January 20.
His departure left the FAA without a Senate-confirmed leader at the time of the crash.
Prior to his time with the FAA, Whitaker served as a lawyer for Trans World Airlines. He also worked for United Airlines in multiple positions, including director, for 15 years.
During his tenure, Whitaker prioritized increasing air traffic control staffing, acknowledging persistent shortages within the agency, per NPR.
Did Donald Trump Make Changes to the Aviation Safety Advisory Committee?
The Trump administration has made changes within the FAA, including to the Aviation Safety Advisory Committee.
According to the Associated Press, Aviation Security Advisory Committee members received a memo on January 21, indicating that the department was removing memberships, part of the "commitment to eliminating the misuse of resources and ensuring that DHS activities prioritize our national security."
The move came just days before Trump signed an executive order offering all federal workers a "deferred resignation", allowing them to resign immediately and get paid through September 2025.
Did Donald Trump Freeze Hiring of Air Traffic Controllers?
There has been ongoing online debate over whether hiring freezes under the Trump administration contributed to the current staffing shortages in air traffic control.
As part of the hiring freeze, no federal civil position that was vacant at noon on January 20 would be filled, and no new positions would be created unless required by law or under the president's orders. Trump's order does not apply to military personnel or positions related to immigration enforcement, national security, or public safety.
As previously reported by Newsweek, it is unclear whether the freeze prevents the FAA from hiring new air traffic controllers or if these roles fall under public safety professionals. There is no indication that the executive order directly played a role in the accident involving the two aircraft.
What's Next
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the collision. Investigators will analyze air traffic control communications, flight data recorders, and staffing levels to determine contributing factors. Rocheleau, as acting administrator, is expected to oversee ongoing efforts to address air traffic control shortages and ensure aviation safety.
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