FAA Operates with Essential Staff as Government Shutdown Halts Key Functions
The U.S. federal government shutdown, effective since midnight on September 30, has led to the furlough of 11,322 employees at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
/https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2020/12/1920_faatowerampcargo-2.jpg)
The U.S. federal government shutdown, effective since midnight on September 30, has led to the furlough of 11,322 employees at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The shutdown occurred after the Senate failed to reach an agreement on a funding bill to keep the government fully operational.
Despite the massive furlough, operations deemed essential for the protection of life and property will continue. This includes all 13,294 air traffic controllers, who will remain on duty to ensure flight safety, although they will do so without pay until the shutdown ends. Maintenance personnel for critical navigation facilities, accident investigations, and oversight of commercial space launches will also be maintained.
The activities being halted are crucial for the sector's development and modernization. These include the issuance of new aviation regulations, routine background checks, capital planning not funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), and various auditing and financial analysis functions. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) contingency plans, the shutdown of these activities will be completed within one to three days.
The situation has triggered a strong reaction from the industry. Airlines for America (A4A), representing the country's major carriers, warned that the entire industry "will feel the strain." Meanwhile, the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) stated that the shutdown "threatens the stability of the safest aviation system in the world," which handles 2.9 million passengers daily. As reported by AeroTime, the U.S. Travel Association warned the paralysis could cost the nation's economy $1 billion per week.
The political impasse in the Senate, detailed by outlets such as Space Policy Online, centered on partisan disagreements over the federal budget. As lawmakers negotiate a solution, the operational safety and efficiency of the robust U.S. aviation system face growing pressure.
Para comentar, debés estar registradoPor favor, iniciá sesión