Key facts
- The FAA said the review of President Donald Trump's proposed arch was free of political interference.
- The arch will feature a non-standard eternal flame and floodlights for pilot visibility.
- The FAA determined the 250-foot arch would not pose a hazard to aircraft.
- The structure will be located within 4,000 feet of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
The head of the Federal Aviation Administration said Wednesday that the agency's review of President Donald Trump's proposed triumphal arch, which is planned to include an eternal flame, was conducted without political interference. Bedford told reporters that the project underwent the same obstruction evaluation as any other project and did not receive special consideration.
The FAA's aeronautical study concluded that the 250-foot arch would not pose a hazard to aircraft and should feature a "non-standard eternal flame" and floodlights for visibility. The agency gave its approval on Friday, stating the arch will not interfere with aircraft flying into the nearby Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, despite being located within 4,000 feet of it.
In June, a preliminary FAA study indicated the arch would have "no significant adverse effect on airspace and visual/instrument procedures" at the airport, though it noted the need for red obstruction lights.