Concourse E (Gates 46-59) courtesy P.F. Chang’s
From an email:
“MarketPlace Development, Master ConcessionAir, and P.F. Chang’s® announce the opening of the popular Asian eatery at Reagan National Airport (DCA) in Concourse E (Gates 46-59). This airport location joins the six existing P.F. Chang’s locations in the Washington metropolitan area. (more…)
photo by Melpomene Wetzlar
From AlertDC:
“The US Air Force will conduct a military aircraft flyover in the NCR over Arlington National Cemetery on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at 10:25 AM.”
Photo by Eric P.
From the office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton:
“Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), the co-chair of the Quiet Skies Caucus and a member of the Subcommittee on Aviation, today introduced a bill to require helicopters in District of Columbia airspace to fly at the maximum altitude permitted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), with limited exceptions. The exceptions would include active law enforcement investigations, transporting the president and vice president, and safety. (more…)
photo by C S Romero
Thanks to all who messaged us cool photos and videos. Apparently they were carrying the ‘designated survivor’ before the State of the Union address at the Capitol last night: (more…)
(U.S. Army photo by Elizabeth Fraser / Arlington National Cemetery /released)
Readers reported around 1:45pm Monday: “Was there some sort of flyover just now in NW DC?”
Kelly found the answer: “Apparently Michael Collins’ funeral was finally held today at Arlington. Yes, that Michael Collins.”
From Arlington National Cemetery yesterday: “Earlier today, modified military funeral honors with funeral escort were conducted for US Air Force Maj. Gen. Michael Collins in Section 51, a fighter pilot and NASA astronaut who flew on the Gemini 10 and Apollo 11 missions.”
photo by Victoria Pickering
“Dear PoPville,
I live in NW next to the T street park (17th and T NW).
Since January 1, 2023, I have heard many loud airplane noises in the neighborhood. This weekend was particularly bad. This week I heard airplanes at 5.09 am.
Am I the only one to hear this? (more…)
Thanks to Megan Gamble for sharing yesterday:
“I took the train all the way to Dulles on the first day this branch opened!” (more…)
photo by nevermindtheend
From WMATA:
“Metro greenlighted to return more trains to service
Statements from Metro Board Chair Paul C. Smedberg and Metro General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Randy Clarke
“Metro leaders welcomed the concurrence today of the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission to gradually return all 7000-series railcars to passenger service,” said Metro Board Chair Paul C. Smedberg. “This is a win for customers, and we are grateful to Senators Warner and Kaine for their leadership to reach an agreement that will safely return more 7Ks to service.”
“With this approval and close collaboration on the Silver Line extension safety report, Metro will be able to set an opening date in the near future,” said General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Randy Clarke. (more…)
The man, courtesy Capital One
From an email:
“Capital One is once again breaking the mold for airport experiences with the introduction of Capital One Landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport’s Terminal 2 (DCA).
Capital One Landing is an alternative to the traditional lounge experience focused on bringing elevated dining to the heart of the terminal. Our exclusive partner, the award-winning José Andrés Group, will design this new culinary-focused concept’s food and beverage menu, focusing on authentic, Spanish-style tapas. (more…)
“new wmata fare chart. this one at Farragut North has the silver line extension on it.” photo by Austin.
From WMATA:
“Date for opening now rests with Safety Commission concurrence on both Silver Line certification and new 7K Return to Service Plan
After successfully completing two weeks of simulated service, Metro leaders said today that they will be able to open the extension to Dulles Airport Station in time for the start of busy Thanksgiving travel, subject to approvals this week from the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission (WMSC) of two submissions — a data-driven Return to Service Plan for 7000-series railcars, and a safety certification report of the Silver Line extension.
“We committed for the Silver Line extension to being operationally ready for the Silver Line extension in October, and we have met our deadline,” said General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke. “Since control of the extension was turned over to Metro, we and our partners at the Airports Authority, Fairfax, and Loudoun have worked diligently to complete all of the steps needed for Metro to offer safe and reliable service for rail travel to Dulles Airport and Loudoun County, and we are just awaiting concurrence from our Safety Commission partners.”
Metro took custody and control of the extension from the Airports Authority on June 23 and is finalizing its safety certification report to WMSC this week. WMSC has worked alongside Metro for months and has stated that it expects to add their concurrence to Metro’s within hours or days after receiving the report from Metro’s Chief Safety Officer. Metro does not view the final Silver Line safety certification report as a barrier to preparing for the opening of passenger service before Thanksgiving holiday travel.
More Trains Needed to Open
Last month, Metro’s senior safety and operations officials expressed safety concerns about moving cars from other crowded lines for new service, and that more trains were needed to support the extension. Unfortunately, WMSC notified Metro Monday afternoon that it objects to Metro’s new (phase three) Return to Service Plan for the 7000-series rail cars, following Metro’s submission of additional data analysis Friday. (The plan was first submitted on September 28 and was not approved citing “lack of data” to support changing multiple variables at once).
The latest rejection letter continues confusing direction provided to Metro: (more…)