What A CFI Wants You To Know

Government Shutdown and Aviation: What Pilots Need to Know

Will it affect training check rides, air traffic control, and certifications?

Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 08:00 AM ET

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What skills and knowledge do pilots master to obtain the CFII, and how long does it take? [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

Government shutdowns create significant uncertainty for pilots due to conflicting information on official aviation websites and potential delays in critical updates like NOTAMs.
Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs) continue to conduct check rides as they are contractors, and controllers at contract airport towers remain paid and operational.
FAA air traffic controllers are deemed essential and must work without pay during shutdowns, leading to increased stress, potential staffing shortages, and long-term impacts on ATC hiring and safety.

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“Is it going to delay my check ride?”

“Is the tower going to close because of the shutdown?”

Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.