The agency’s decision, made shortly after Wednesday’s deadly collision, was framed by the transportation secretary as an important step toward enhancing safety.
The message reiterated an offer for a chance to take a second job or travel to a “dream destination” and remain on the federal payroll for months. But questions remain about whether that would be legal.
Clues emerging from the moments before an Army helicopter collided with a passenger jet suggest breakdowns in the system meant to help aircraft land safely at the busy Reagan National Airport.