The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has concluded that President Donald Trump’s proposed 250-foot triumphal arch, to be located less than two miles from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, is unlikely to pose significant risks to air travel. However, the FAA recommends that the structure be equipped with red obstruction lights due to its height.

FAA’s Findings

The FAA’s feasibility study states that the arch will have “no significant adverse effect on airspace and visual/instrument procedures” at Reagan National, one of the busiest airports in the country. The study is a preliminary review, and a full aeronautical study will be required before construction can proceed. The proposed site for the arch is a grassy area at the end of Memorial Bridge, across from the Lincoln Memorial.

The total height of the structure, including the site elevation, will be 279 feet. FAA regulations mandate that structures exceeding 200 feet undergo a review if they could potentially interfere with airspace. These reviews typically take between 45 to 90 days, but can extend up to nine months.

Impact on Air Traffic

Pilots navigating the “north approach” flight path to Reagan National must already avoid several landmarks, including the Pentagon and the Washington Monument. The addition of Trump’s arch could add complexity to this corridor, which has seen high-profile accidents, such as last year’s midair collision between an American Airlines plane and a Black Hawk helicopter.

Approval Process

The project requires approval from the Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission, which oversee federal building projects in Washington, D.C. The National Capital Planning Commission has voted to advance the project but has not yet given final approval. Concerns have been raised that these panels, which include Trump loyalists, may approve the arch without adequately considering potential risks.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.