Southern California Rotorcraft Association

02/28/2026

https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/video/law-enforcement-helicopters-no-longer-allowed-to-fly-through-lax-airspace/?intcid=CNM-00-10abd1h

New restrictions at LAX are prohibiting Los Angeles police helicopters from flying near the airport, cutting off air support for several stations.

02/27/2026

SCRA and VAI trying to understand the complete lack of transparency or pilot involvement in these decisions..

FAA Statement
As a result of the FAA's proactive nationwide safety review of airports with mixed helicopter and airplane traffic, we are evaluating restricting Visual Flight Rules (VFR) operations near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). 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 airspace occurrences including weather and any nearby construction.

Background
In February 2025, we began using innovative AI tools to evaluate airports with high volumes of mixed helicopter and airplane traffic and are implementing appropriate safety mitigations.
VFR operators navigate visually and they must request and receive air traffic control permission to enter controlled airspace such as that around LAX. Most helicopters operate under VFR.

Ian Gregor
Senior Advisor
Office of Communications/Federal Aviation Administration