Washington, DC, January 10, 2019 –Today, the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) and numerous aviation groups sent a joint letter to President Trump and Congressional leaders outlining the negative effects of the government shutdown on the industry, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). 

“Civil aviation supports more than 7 percent of the U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) and $1.5 trillion of economic impact, creating over 11.5 million jobs, but this shutdown is hampering our ability to function effectively,” the letter notes. The groups highlight that the partial shutdown has already inflicted real damage to our nation’s aviation system and the impacts will only worsen over time. “We urge you to act quickly to resolve these issues,” the letter concludes.

The FAA is experiencing many setbacks as a result of the shutdown, from staffing and Air Traffic Control services to a halt of new aircraft certification and NextGen testing technologies. As the industry faces a pilot and mechanic shortage, many students are not able to test or obtain their mechanic or pilot certifications, and the FAA is not processing mandated pilot background checks (PRIA). Under the shutdown, training centers are not able to provide recurrent training to airline and aviation pilots and routine registrations are not being processed.

At DHS, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel are working without pay, resulting in working capacity issues and a risk of decreased safety at our nation’s airports and border checkpoints. CBP’s Global Entry enrollment program has stopped, and a lack of resources is resulting in employees’ ability to work at CBP-controlled areas as airports. 

NATA legislative and regulatory staff are on hand to answer any questions you have during the shutdown and provide assistance where necessary - click here or call (800) 808-6282 to contact a member of the government affairs staff. 

For more information on DOT, FAA and DHS essential and ceased operations, click here. 

NATA will continue to update you as events warrant.

For general press inquiries, contact Shannon Chambers at 703-298-1347 or schambers@nata.aero. 

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has been the voice of aviation business for more than 80 years. Representing nearly 3,700 aviation businesses, NATA’s member companies provide a broad range of services to general aviation, the airlines and the military and NATA serves as the public policy group representing the interests of aviation businesses before Congress and the federal agencies.