The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Friday that the proposed Victory Arch by former President Donald Trump, which is set to be built near the Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, poses no aviation risk if a "permanent flame" is present above it.
New Conditions for the Victory Arch
The FAA's decision includes the installation of lighting above the structure and spotlights directed at the memorial to ensure that the structure is visible to pilots. Aviation experts had previously raised safety concerns due to the proximity of this monument to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
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This ruling removes a key barrier to the construction of the memorial, which Trump proposed to commemorate the country's 250th anniversary. This plan is part of the President's broader campaign to redesign the landscape of Washington's memorials, which includes a new hall at the White House, renovations to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, and the reconstruction of the East Potomac Park golf course.
Efforts to Prevent Construction
Veterans have filed a complaint to prevent the construction of the arch, arguing that this structure would obstruct the historical view between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. Despite the FAA previously stating that the structure required red warning lights, it announced on Friday that these lights are no longer necessary.
The FAA's decision remains subject to review if requests are submitted by October 18. In June, Tammy Duckworth, a Democratic senator and chair of the Senate aviation subcommittee, urged the FAA to resist pressure from the White House to approve the 250-foot (76-meter) arch, warning that this structure could jeopardize commercial flights.
The planned arch is located 3,000 feet from Washington National Airport and is directly in the main flight path for takeoffs and landings. This agency typically requires flashing red warning lights for structures over 200 feet near airports for nighttime safety, similar to the lights on the Washington Monument, which stands 555 feet tall.
Duckworth referenced findings from the National Park Service indicating that the construction of this structure would require cranes reaching heights of 300 to 320 feet, which would operate for up to 20 hours a day over a period of two to three years.
The FAA has specified that pilots must maintain a minimum altitude of 780 feet above the site and a minimum distance of 488 feet above the arch.
On September 4, a federal judge ordered that the Trump administration must notify 48 hours before starting any activities at the site, except for work to locate underground cultural artifacts.
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Source: independent.co.uk
