A former inspector general for the U.S. Department of Transportation told 7News that for years and under different administrations, the FAA said.

Investigators issued their preliminary report Tuesday in the probe into the devastating crash between an American Airlines plane and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter.

Helicopter traffic should be permanently banned near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport during certain periods to alleviate congestion and avoid a repeat of the deadly midair collision that occurred there in January,