Brazilian Air Force alters Rio de Janeiro helicopter routes after accidents

The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) has announced changes to helicopter flight routes in Rio de Janeiro following a series of accidents. Starting in November, two Special Helicopter Routes (REH)—the Boa Vista and Cristo routes—will be canceled. Additionally, the REH Praia route will be moved further from the coastline and its lateral dimensions expanded to increase the distance between helicopters and the shore.

These adjustments follow recent incidents, including a crash near Vista Chinesa on August 8 that killed a pilot and three Colombian tourists, and a mid-air collision in Recreio dos Bandeirantes on June 14 that resulted in six deaths. The National Civil Aviation Agency (Anac) has also increased inspections of companies performing panoramic flights; of the 12 authorized operators, four have been suspended due to irregularities, such as the falsification of flight reports to reduce maintenance costs.