With the possibility of a shutdown of the federal government just hours away, it appears that there will not be much of a noticeable impact on general aviation activities. If you were planning to fly, the actual flight should seem normal. All required FAA facilities are expected to remain functional; however, they will not be open for public use. Public meetings, appointments and tours will be canceled.
The FAA has stated that all essential personnel required to keep the national airspace system operating will continue to work. Air Traffic Control (ATC) Towers, Terminal Radar Approach Control and ATC Centers will all be staffed with controllers and provide essential radar services to aircraft throughout a shutdown.
Flight Service Stations (FSS) will also remain open and provide weather briefings, disseminate Notices to Airman (NOTAM's) and the opening and closing of flight plans. Pilots will still be able to contact them via telephone and radio for these services.
Flight Standards District Offices (FDSO) will remain functional as well with skeleton crews, providing only essential services. The FSDO personnel will continue to conduct ramp checks, investigate any major incidents and provide needed emergency services. Accident investigations will only be conducted on-scene with the portion of the investigation that takes place after the scene is cleared, would then be placed on hold.
Pilot certificates most likely will not be issued, check rides will not be conducted and other non-essential services will be on hold as well.
The FSDO's may not immediately respond to violations or other non-emergency complaints, but pilots will still be investigated for any violations of FAR's upon the approval of a federal budget. Pilot's will not suddenly be able to get away with actions that normally would be considered in violation of the regulations.
Also, even government websites will not be functional, including the airmen and aircraft look-up databases.
Airports undergoing construction as part of the airport improvement grant program would see a slowdown or stoppage of construction in an extended shutdown as the program would be suspended. Only projects currently in progress that would negatively effect safety if stopped would continue.
With the situation as fluid as it's been all day, it's possible that by midnight, a compromise will be reached; however, as a pilot, it's always best to be prepared for the worst.
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