Understanding the Potential Government Shutdown and Its Impact on the FAA
The U.S. government is facing a potential shutdown in less than a week, as funding is set to expire at midnight on Wednesday, October 1. This situation could lead to significant disruptions across various federal agencies, including the Department of Transportation (DOT), which oversees the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). If the shutdown occurs, many government-funded entities will be forced to curtail operations until a new budget is established.
The timeline for resolving this issue remains uncertain, as it ultimately depends on the decisions made by lawmakers in Washington, D.C. In the meantime, the DOT has released a comprehensive 45-page document detailing the potential impact on operations, particularly focusing on what the FAA will continue to do and what will be put on hold.
Key Details from the Fiscal Year 2025 Shutdown Plan
According to the fiscal year 2025 shutdown plan summary overview, the FAA would require half a day to “complete shutdown activities.” The agency employs 29,644 individuals, with only 1,243 required to perform essential jobs mandated by law. Another 25,331 employees are considered necessary to protect life and property. The report estimates that approximately 16,621 employees may be furloughed if the shutdown takes place.
Operations That Will Continue
Despite the potential shutdown, certain critical operations will remain unaffected:
- Air traffic control (ATC) services: 13,227 ATCs will be exempted without pay.
- Maintenance and operation of navigational aids and other facilities: This includes support for Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security activities.
- Flight Standards field inspections
- Airworthiness Directives
- Airmen medical certifications
- Certain certification activities, such as supporting commercial airplanes and engines, issuing waivers for UAS, and approving exemptions for unmanned aircraft systems.
- Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS) medical clearances
- Hazardous materials safety inspections
- Air traffic safety oversightlimited to specific functions like the ATO Voluntary Safety Reporting Program Event Review Committee.
- Commercial space launch oversight and licensing
- Command, control, communications, and intelligence
- Foreign relations on aviation safety-related matters
- FAA’s aircraft and airman registry
- Congressional liaison services
- Support functions necessary to provide timely payments to contractors and grantees
- National aviation research, engineering, and development (RE&D)
- Airport inspections
- Existing airport development grants
- Passenger facility charge approvals
- Airport planning and environmental services
- Training at the FAA Academy for new air traffic controllers
Areas That Will Be Affected
While some operations will continue, others will face disruptions:
- Air traffic controller hiring
- Field training of air traffic controllers
- Aviation rulemaking
- Random drug testing of nonsafety workforce
- Facility security inspections
- Routine personnel security background investigations
- Continuity of operations planning
- Development of next-gen technologies and safety standards
- Air traffic performance analysis
- Capital planning and implementation for FAA facilities and equipment programs not funded by IIJA
- Investment planning and financial analysis
- Dispute resolution
- Audit and evaluation
- Financial operations, controls, reporting, and accountability
- Most budgeting functions
- Law enforcement assistance support
- Most administrative support functions
- Delivery of routine public affairs services, website updates, and social media activities
Preparations and Communication
The FAA notes that its shutdown plans are up to date and will be approved by the administrator and senior staff before implementation. The agency has identified each position subject to a furlough, and preparations are in place for the Office of Human Resource Management to notify affected staff.
FAA employees are advised to stay tuned to public broadcasts for updates on congressional action to fund the government. They will be expected to return to work on their next regular duty day. Logistics are in place to ensure an orderly recall of employees and a smooth return to normal operations once annual appropriations are restored.
The FAA will provide return-to-duty information on its employee website and through a toll-free phone number. Managers will also contact employees to ensure they are aware of their recall to duty.
