February 2024 MCQSC UPDATE: Approach procedure publication date is delayed
We hate to share bad news, but it appears that the date for changes to approach procedures into DCA from the north has slipped from May 16th to July 11th. We were not officially notified of the change by the FAA nor given any explanation, but the date of publication has changed on the FAA website that tracks these things, the IFP Gateway, and it was brought to our attention by our consultant, Jim Allerdice. If you were counting the weeks (like we were), add 8 more weeks to your counting - and let's all hope that it doesn't slip again.
We will keep you informed of any further changes. We are still planning some sort of celebration whenever the changes finally are implemented!
Here is some good news to keep your hopes up!
Runway repairs at DCA will start up again sometime this spring. While repairs are underway, flights between 11 PM and 7 AM will be halted. With any luck, the new GPS approach procedures will be published and implemented before nighttime operations resume in the fall.
The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments called on Congress not to add more long-haul flights at DCA: Local officials at COG call on Congress to not interfere with the region's airport system. (COG's action and an overview of the issue were covered in this WTOP article about the status of the effort to add more long-haul flights to DCA: Additional flight slots for DCA? The debate continues amongst local advocacy, governmental groups).
