“Is it going to delay my check ride?”
“Is the tower going to close because of the shutdown?”
Government Shutdown and Aviation: What Pilots Need to Know
Will it affect training check rides, air traffic control, and certifications?
![What skills and knowledge do pilots master to obtain the CFII, and how long does it take? [Credit: Shutterstock]](https://www.flyingmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/shutterstock_1850554267.jpg)
Key Takeaways:
- Government shutdowns create significant uncertainty for pilots, as official information sources like aviation weather and DOT websites, and NOTAMs, may be unreliable or delayed, underscoring a pilot's responsibility to verify dynamic information.
- Pilot check rides remain largely unaffected during shutdowns because Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs) are contractors paid directly by applicants, not the FAA.
- Air traffic control services experience a mixed impact: FAA-operated towers continue with essential but unpaid controllers (raising potential safety concerns), while contract towers maintain normal operations as their controllers are still paid.
- Such disruptions can have long-term ripple effects, including delays in hiring new air traffic controllers, which could ultimately impact the general aviation community.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
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