Messages to Faculty, Messages to Staff, Messages to Students, Messages to the Community

MedStar Generator Helicopter Delivery – Community Impacts

February 10, 2026

Dear Members of the Georgetown Community,

We are writing to notify you of an upcoming aerial delivery that will have a significant impact on our Hilltop campus. On Saturday, Feb. 28, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital will be airlifting a generator onto the Verstandig Pavilion roof via a cargo helicopter departing from the hospital’s former helipad adjacent to Shaw Field. This process will take 4 to 6 hours in total, as multiple lifts will be required. The helicopter will arrive on the evening of Friday, Feb. 27, and the airlift will start at approximately 8:00 a.m on Saturday, Feb. 28.

In case of poor weather conditions or other delays, the primary backup delivery date is Sunday, Mar. 1, while the secondary backup date is the following weekend. Be advised that the delivery date as well as both backup dates fall within the university’s spring break.

Community Impacts

    • Leavey Center must be fully vacated per Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements.
      • Foot traffic around Leavey Center will be restricted. A portion of Tondorf Road alongside Hayden and Byrnes Halls will be open for pedestrian foot traffic. Flaggers and MedStar Security officers will be on site to provide assistance.
  • Shaw Field and its surrounding areas will be closed to foot traffic.
  • East-West Road and West Road will be fully closed during the flight. 
    • All traffic should flow through Tondorf Road which will be open for the day to allow for access to Leavey Garage. Flaggers and MedStar Security officers will be on site to direct traffic.
    • Community members coming to campus that day must enter campus through Entrance 6 on Canal Road.
  • GUTS going to Lombardi Circle will be re-routed through Entrance Two and drop off/pick-up at the Entrance Two Circle during the duration of the flight.
    • Paratransit on GUTS buses will remain on standby for any passengers with disabilities. Please contact Transportation Management at 202-687-4372 to request paratransit services.

Additional Information

Due to the complex nature of this operation, impacts and logistics are subject to change. Any updates will be posted to the Active Construction website. Please email construction@georgetown.edu with any questions.

Sincerely,

Office of Planning & Facilities Management