Presidential Helis Conflict With Airliner

An American Airlines MD-80 had to make a go-around at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport last Wednesday afternoon after two helicopters departing with President Bush’s party — but not carrying the president — strayed into its approach path, the local CBS-2 news reported on Thursday. The two helicopters, carrying press and staffers, were heading north near the runway centerline as the airliner was landing to the south, CBS-2 said. The airline pilot aborted the landing and climbed out to the left. The two helicopters also made left turns. Marine One, the helicopter carrying Mr. Bush, was not involved in the incident. CBS-2 said the FAA acknowledged that the go-around took place, but no investigation was pending because no loss of minimum separation occurred. The airliner had departed from Salt Lake City and had 136 people on board.