Will a 250-Foot Arch Threaten Reagan National Airport's Critical Flight Path?

A proposed 250-foot triumphal arch for Washington, D.C., is creating a major conflict with established aviation safety protocols near Reagan National Airport (DCA). President Trump has publicly stated his desire for the new monument to be the world's "biggest one of all". The proposed site is located near Memorial Circle, which is situated directly along a critical flight path for the busy airport.

Airspace Obstruction and FAA Requirements

The planned structure would stand at 250 feet tall, according to reports. This height immediately triggers mandatory review by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). FAA regulations require that any construction over 200 feet tall near an airport or navigation facility must file notice. This filing must be submitted to the FAA's Obstruction Evaluation Group at least 45 days before construction begins. As of the latest reports, no submission for the arch project has been made to the FAA’s Obstruction Evaluation/Airport Airspace Analysis site.

The 250-foot height would surpass the 220-foot Monumento a la Revolución in Mexico City, currently the world's tallest triumphal arch. For comparison, the Lincoln Memorial, which sits opposite the proposed site, is only 99 feet tall. The structure’s height is a significant DCA airspace obstruction concern.

The Highly Sensitive DCA Flight Path

Aircraft flying into DCA must adhere to some of the most stringent flight restrictions in the United States. Due to Prohibited Areas P-56A and B over the National Mall and the White House, commercial planes must follow the winding Potomac River flight restrictions at relatively low altitudes. This procedure is known as the "River Visual" approach to Runway 19.

This unique approach is essential for maintaining separation from restricted Washington, D.C., airspace. The FAA has permanent flight restrictions over the Potomac River near DCA, extending up to 1,500 feet above mean sea level (AMSL). The proposed arch would be situated directly within the sensitive zone where aircraft are maneuvering at low heights. The location is a major entryway to the city from Virginia.

Height Limits and Safety Precedents

The sensitivity of this area has been tragically highlighted by recent events. The commercial aviation safety concerns are acute following a deadly January 2025 crash over the Potomac River. In that incident, an American Airlines plane collided with a Black Hawk helicopter, resulting in 67 fatalities. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation found the helicopter was flying above its required maximum altitude of 200 feet above the river. The U.S. government later admitted liability for the crash.

• The NTSB previously noted that helicopter routes and fixed-wing approach paths could routinely come within 75 feet of each other.
• The FAA is implementing permanent flight restrictions to mitigate potential midair collisions in this area.
• The arch's 250-foot proposed height is significantly above the 200-foot altitude limit for helicopters on that route.

This history underscores the narrow margins for error in the DCA airspace. Introducing a permanent, 250-foot DCA airspace obstruction into this critical area presents a major challenge. Any structure of this height would necessitate a complete re-evaluation of existing approach and departure procedures. This could potentially impact the efficiency and capacity of Reagan National Airport operations.

White House spokesman Davis Ingle stated that the arch would be an iconic landmark. However, aviation experts emphasize that safety must remain the absolute priority. The project cannot move forward without a full FAA Obstruction Evaluation and a determination that the structure is not a hazard to navigable airspace. The current government shutdown is further delaying any official response from the FAA. Stakeholders, including American Airlines and other carriers operating at DCA, will closely monitor the regulatory review process.

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