What the Ongoing Government Shutdown Means for General Aviation

FAA emergency order impacts services, registrations, and medical certificates, potentially sparking interest in private pilot training.

Meg Godlewski

Friday, November 07, 2025 at 09:37 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

C-172 Skyhawks [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

The government shutdown has led to FAA staffing shortages, significantly reducing air traffic control (ATC) services available to general aviation (GA) pilots, including radar traffic information and VFR assistance.
GA pilots can expect delays in administrative processes such such as aircraft registration, aviation medical certificates, and the issuance of permanent pilot certificates.
Pilots are advised to monitor frequencies, check NOTAMs, and prepare for potential rerouting around major hubs with reduced traffic; historically, such disruptions have also led to an increase in new pilot certifications.

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The airlines aren’t the only aviation entity to feel the squeeze from the government shutdown. General aviation pilots can also expect a reduction in available services triggered by a shortage in staffing.

According to an FAA emergency order issued, when an agency-owned-and operated facility does not have adequate staffing levels, air traffic control (ATC) may elect not to provide the following: