Multiple aviation organizations cautioned congressional leaders on Monday that a shutdown of the government could lead to delays in federal aircraft inspections and defer essential maintenance on air traffic control systems, potentially resulting in difficulties and safety risks for travelers.
A collective letter penned by over 50 trade organizations—including representatives from commercial airlines, air traffic controllers, and aviation professionals—was addressed to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY). The letter urged, “A united aviation sector respectfully requests prompt action to prevent a government shutdown on October 1.”
The letter emphasized, “Shutdowns fracture the U.S. economy and undermine the safety redundancies fundamental to our National Airspace System (NAS). Short-lived shutdowns of just a few days, or even last-minute avertions, can disrupt the NAS and affect the traveling public adversely.”
In the event of a shutdown, it was stated that air traffic controllers, technicians, and airport security personnel would continue their work without pay. However, some Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees are expected to be furloughed, putting extra pressure on safety oversight.
The FAA would have no choice but to “halt hiring and training of air traffic controllers and technicians, delay safety initiative rollouts, postpone crucial maintenance on air traffic equipment, pause air carrier pilot assessments, delay airworthiness examinations for aircraft, defer the evaluation of voluntary safety reporting, and stall work on modernization programs,” the letter indicated.
The groups highlighted that “the resulting backlogs create prolonged delays for these vital FAA services long after funding is reinstated.”
While commercial airlines are responsible for ensuring the safety of their aircraft, the FAA regularly audits their inspection records and conducts spot checks on planes as well as certifying new aircraft joining commercial fleets.
As lawmakers work against the clock, they must meet a Tuesday deadline at 11:59 p.m. to pass legislation to avert a government shutdown.
Earlier this month, House Republicans advanced a temporary measure to maintain government funding at current levels until November 21, though only one Democrat supported the bill.
However, that funding bill was rejected in a Senate vote last week, with the majority of Democrats opposed to it.
If a resolution is not achieved promptly, nonessential government operations will come to a halt for the first time since the 35-day shutdown that occurred at the end of December 2018 into January 2019.
The aviation organizations stated, “Congress must act swiftly to prevent another detrimental shutdown. The FAA, its dedicated workforce on the front lines, our aviation sector, our economy, and the American public cannot afford any disruption, regardless of the duration.”
