The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered a stop to all parallel takeoffs at Centennial Airport in the Denver metro area effective October 1, 2026. This directive follows a safety risk assessment released on September 29, 2026, which analyzed nine U.S. airports with parallel runways and identified 60 incidents at Centennial where departing aircraft drifted too close, including two near midair collisions.
Flight training and operations at Centennial, the second-busiest airport in the Denver metropolitan region, were immediately disrupted when the parallel departure ban took effect. Flight schools and airport tenants are reporting reduced air traffic and delays, forcing pilot
students to seek alternative airports for practicing landings and maneuvers. The Centennial Airport Authority described the FAA’s decision as “highly unusual” due to the lack of prior notification or stakeholder consultation.
Flight Student and Industry Reactions
Toby Scott, a flight student training for his commercial pilot license at Centennial, was informed of the restriction in mid-flight when air traffic controllers announced an end to touch-and-go patterns during his practice session. Scott said this change will increase his training costs and potentially delay his progression. “I want to go all the way to the big leagues. I want to get to a legacy airline,” he said,
emphasizing the impact on his career goals.
Brad Schuster, Northwest Mountain Regional Manager of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, expressed concern over the FAA’s rollout of the order. He noted it was the first restriction of this magnitude imposed at an airport with parallel runways in the region and criticized the lack of coordination with the aeronautical community, including his organization.
FAA and Centennial Airport Authority Response
The Centennial Airport Authority met with FAA officials on October 13, 2026, to advocate for local stakeholders affected by the parallel takeoff restrictions. The Authority is pushing for a comprehensive and informed risk mitigation process that balances safety
improvements with the preservation of airport operations and minimal community impact.
An FAA Safety Risk Management Panel is scheduled for October 27-28, 2026, to further assess the hazards associated with simultaneous parallel departures at Centennial and explore possible long-term solutions. The FAA has stated it is working on a monitoring plan and continues efforts to resolve the safety concerns.
Impact on Flight Training and Operations
Flight training operations at Centennial have adjusted to the FAA’s order by relocating certain exercises to other airports in the Denver metro area, increasing traffic and operational costs there. Toby Scott noted the restriction limits how often students can perform landings
and touch-and-go maneuvers at Centennial, activities critical to meeting training milestones.
The Centennial Airport Authority reaffirmed its focus on reducing risks while preserving the airport’s role as a vital training and general aviation hub. The authority aims to ensure any safety measures are implemented without disproportionally affecting the airport’s users or surrounding communities.
