LAPD helicopters barred from flying around LAX airspace 'until further notice'

This is read by an automated voice.Please report any issues or inconsistencies here.

Los Angeles police helicopters will not be responding to most emergencies near LAX for the time being, as federal aviation authorities are addressing safety concerns at one of the nation’s busiest airports, the head of the LAPD’s aerial division announced this week.In a department-wide memo Thursday, LAPD Capt.

Jonathan Larsen wrote that the Federal Aviation Administration had “imposed restrictions on Air Support operations and all general aviation” in neighborhoods in Los Angeles International Airport airspace covering three entire police divisions — Newton, 77th Street, Southeast, historically among the city’s busiest — and a portion of a fourth, Pacific.“Air units will be restricted from responding to requests for service in the affected areas,” wrote Larsen, the acting commanding officer of Air Support Division.That, he said, is “effective immediately and until further notice.” World & Nation The U.S.government says the actions of an air traffic controller and Army helicopter pilot played a role in a fatal collision in January near the nation’s capital.A Los Angeles Police Department spokesperson declined to respond to questions about what effect the restrictions would have on the department’s operations, referring questions to the FAA.In its own statement, the FAA said that it would be restricting flights operating under so-called visual flight rules — also known as VFR, where pilots are responsible for watching out for and avoiding other aircraft and structures, as opposed to relying on instruments.

The restrictions are part of a nationwide “safety review of airports with mixed helicopter and airplane traffic,” the agency said.“While we conduct this evaluation, air traffic controllers will more often prohibit VFR operators from entering LAX airspace based on the volume and complexity of traffic they’re working, along with daily air...