Near Mid-Air Collision at Burbank Airport Prompts FAA Safety Changes

BURBANK, CA – A near-miss incident involving a helicopter and a commercial aircraft at Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) earlier this month has prompted renewed scrutiny of air traffic safety protocols, particularly at airports with mixed commercial and helicopter traffic. The incident, which occurred on March 2nd, comes just two months after the chair of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) publicly voiced concerns about the potential for a mid-air collision at Burbank, echoing similar anxieties regarding Washington D.C.’s Ronald Reagan National Airport.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that a Beechcraft 99 airplane, cleared to land at the airport, came into conflict with a helicopter operating in its final approach path. According to the FAA, the helicopter pilot initiated a right-hand turn to avoid a collision, averting a potentially catastrophic event. This incident was one of two close calls that spurred the FAA to announce updated safety rules on Wednesday, March 13, 2026, designed to mitigate the risk of mid-air collisions.

The updated FAA regulations represent a shift in air traffic control procedures. Previously, controllers primarily advised pilots of nearby aircraft, relying on pilots to visually maintain separation. The new rules mandate the employ of radar technology by air traffic controllers to actively manage distances between aircraft, particularly in high-traffic areas. This change is a direct response to a series of safety concerns, most notably the mid-air crash near Washington, D.C. In 2023, which tragically claimed the lives of 67 people. The crash involved an Army helicopter and an American Airlines plane, and prompted a comprehensive review of air traffic safety nationwide.

Burbank Airport Under Scrutiny

Hollywood Burbank Airport, similarly known as Bob Hope Airport, is a medium-sized, multi-use airport located three miles northwest of downtown Burbank, California. According to the FAA, it serves as a reliever airport for Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), catering primarily to traffic and passengers in the San Fernando Valley and surrounding areas. The airport’s proximity to other aviation facilities, including Van Nuys, Whiteman Airport, and Santa Monica Airport, creates a complex airspace environment. The FAA notes that Burbank has its own Class Charlie airspace, adjacent to the Los Angeles Class Bravo airspace, and overlying the Class Delta airspace found at Van Nuys and Whiteman Airports, requiring pilots to be familiar with specific operating procedures.

NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy has been vocal about the safety concerns at Burbank, stating that she had received direct communication from commercial airlines expressing fears of a potential mid-air collision. “I retain hearing about other areas in the airspace where they are concerned — Burbank is one where commercial airlines have called me to say the next mid-air (collision) is going to be at Burbank. And nobody at FAA is paying attention to us,” Homendy said, according to reports. Following Homendy’s comments, the FAA issued a statement asserting that it had already taken steps to enhance safety at Burbank and Van Nuys airports, which are located less than 10 miles apart and handle a diverse range of aircraft with closely spaced takeoff and landing paths.

Complex Airspace and Increasing Traffic

The challenges at Hollywood Burbank Airport stem from the convergence of different types of air traffic. The airport handles commercial flights, private aviation, and a significant volume of helicopter operations, including those serving the entertainment industry and local news outlets. According to the airport’s website, in 2025, Hollywood Burbank Airport served 6,219,479 passengers and processed 133,845 aircraft operations. The airport also handled 72,197,883 pounds of cargo in the same period.

The increasing volume of air traffic, coupled with the complex airspace configuration, creates a heightened risk of incidents. The FAA’s new regulations, requiring radar monitoring and active distance management, are intended to address this risk by providing controllers with a more precise understanding of aircraft positions and trajectories. The FAA’s Aeronautical Information Services provides detailed charts and information for pilots operating in the area, including procedures for navigating the overlapping airspace classes. Pilots are advised to consult the VFR Sectional chart for frequencies to contact SoCal Approach for access.

The March 2nd Incident: A Closer Look

While the FAA has released limited details about the March 2nd incident, the agency confirmed that the Beechcraft 99 was on final approach to land when the near-collision occurred. The helicopter, whose type and operator have not been publicly identified, was reportedly on a converging course with the airplane. The quick reaction of the helicopter pilot, executing a right-hand turn, is credited with preventing a collision. The FAA is currently investigating the incident to determine the contributing factors and assess whether any additional safety measures are needed.

The incident highlights the importance of situational awareness for both pilots and air traffic controllers. Effective communication and adherence to established procedures are crucial for maintaining safe separation between aircraft. The FAA’s updated regulations aim to reinforce these principles by providing controllers with enhanced tools and procedures for managing air traffic in complex airspace environments.

Broader Implications for Air Safety

The events at Hollywood Burbank Airport and the broader concerns raised by the NTSB Chair underscore a growing emphasis on proactive safety measures within the aviation industry. The mid-air crash near Washington, D.C. Served as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of inadequate air traffic control procedures and the require for continuous improvement. The FAA’s response, including the implementation of new regulations and increased scrutiny of high-risk airports, reflects a commitment to enhancing air safety nationwide.

The FAA is also actively working to modernize its air traffic control infrastructure, transitioning to a more technologically advanced system that relies on satellite-based navigation and automated surveillance. This modernization effort, known as NextGen, is intended to increase capacity, improve efficiency, and enhance safety across the National Airspace System (NAS). However, the implementation of NextGen has faced challenges, including funding constraints and technical complexities.

Looking Ahead

The FAA has not announced a specific timeline for the full implementation of the new radar-based distance management regulations. However, the agency has indicated that it is prioritizing the deployment of these measures at airports with the highest risk profiles, including Hollywood Burbank Airport and Washington’s Ronald Reagan National Airport. Further updates on the FAA’s safety initiatives are expected to be released in the coming months.

The aviation community will be closely monitoring the effectiveness of the new regulations and assessing whether additional measures are needed to mitigate the risk of mid-air collisions. The safety of air travel depends on the collective efforts of pilots, air traffic controllers, regulators, and industry stakeholders to continuously improve safety protocols and embrace new technologies.

The next scheduled public meeting of the NTSB is on April 15, 2026, where further discussion on aviation safety concerns is anticipated. Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts and experiences regarding air travel safety in the comments below.