The closure of the helicopter route near the airport makes permanent the restrictions put in place after Jan. 29 midair collision. The FAA order will allow a few exceptions for helicopter use, including presidential flights along with law enforcement and lifesaving missions.
The FAA also said it is studying cities with airports where there are a high number of different types of aircraft sharing the same space, including eight metro areas with busy helicopter routes: Boston, New York, Baltimore-Washington, Detroit, Chicago, Dallas, Houston and Los Angeles.
It also is looking at offshore helicopter operations along the Gulf Coast.
The Army supports the FAA’s efforts to improve aviation safety around the nation's capital and will use "alternative routes to mitigate impacts on training and readiness,” spokesman Matt Ahearn said Friday.