The FAA has determined that a planned 260-foot arch near Arlington National Cemetery will not pose a hazard to flight operations at Washington Reagan National Airport.
Key facts
- •The proposed arch is planned to stand 260 feet tall within 3,000 feet of Washington Reagan National Airport.
- •The FAA requires the project to notify the agency at least 10 days before construction begins.
- •A federal judge ordered the administration to provide 48 hours' notice before beginning any activity on the site.
- •The arch is part of a broader initiative by President Trump to renovate various monuments and sites in Washington, D.C.
The Federal Aviation Administration announced on Friday that a proposed triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial does not pose a hazard to aircraft. The agency concluded the structure will have no substantial adverse effect on flight operations or navigational facilities at Washington Reagan National Airport. The project, intended to mark the nation's 250th anniversary, must include specific lighting requirements to alert pilots.
By the numbers
Safety Requirements and FAA Findings
The FAA determined that the arch requires an 'eternal flame' light on top and floodlight projectors to ensure visibility for pilots. While the agency previously indicated the structure would need red obstruction lights, it stated on Friday that these are no longer required. The FAA specified that pilots must maintain an altitude of at least 780 feet above the area, keeping them 488 feet above the top of the proposed structure.
Opposition and Regulatory Status
The project has faced criticism from Democratic lawmakers and veterans. Senator Tammy Duckworth previously urged the FAA to reject the proposal, citing concerns over the arch's proximity to the airport's main flight path and the potential impact of construction cranes. Veterans have also filed a lawsuit to block the project, arguing it would disrupt historic sightlines. The FAA's determination remains subject to review if petitions are filed by October 18.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by CBS News Politics, Jerusalem Post.
