FAA FSDO Operations During the Government Shutdown: Guidance for Part 91 and Part 135 Operators
The ongoing federal government shutdown is impacting the FAA’s local field offices, known as Flight Standards District Offices (FSDOs), in noticeable ways. Business aviation operators under Part 91 (general aviation) and Part 135 (charter and on-demand commercial flights) are seeing slower responses for certain services, even as essential flight safety functions continue. This leadership briefing offers a clear, reassuring look at what to expect and how to adapt during this period, so that operators can stay confident, compliant, and proactive.
Shutdown’s Impact on FSDO Operations: What’s Happening
As of October 1, a lapse in federal funding has resulted in portions of the Department of Transportation including parts of the FAA being placed in furlough status. In practical terms, this means many FSDO employees are temporarily not working, and those remaining on duty are largely limited to safety-critical tasks. Routine certification, inspection, and administrative functions that can be deferred are essentially on pause.
About 11,000 of roughly 45,000 FAA employees have been furloughed. Most of the 33,000 FAA personnel still working, including over 13,000 air traffic controllers, are continuing their duties without pay until the shutdown ends. The good news is that air traffic control services remain active and uncompromised, with controllers and essential technicians treating their roles as critical functions to keep the skies safe. ATC training programs and modernization initiatives are also proceeding using previously allocated funds.
For FSDOs, however, the shutdown has curtailed many day-to-day services. Flight Standards inspectors and support staff are largely furloughed, and FSDOs are instructed to focus only on urgent activities directly necessary for safety. This aligns with FAA’s contingency plan, which allows critical field inspections and certain certification work to continue in order to protect life and property. In other words, if there is an immediate safety issue such as an accident investigation or an urgent airworthiness concern, the FAA will address it, often by calling in inspectors as needed. But tasks like routine audits, pilot check rides, paperwork reviews, and new certificate issuances are mostly on hold or greatly delayed.
It is important to emphasize that safety is still maintained. Core regulatory oversight has not disappeared; it is simply operating at a slower tempo. Essential oversight duties that directly impact safety, for example an inspector responding to a possible safety hazard, will be carried out with skeleton staffing. But operators should anticipate that anything not urgent will likely wait until the government reopens. In past shutdowns, FSDOs were effectively limited to only safety-critical services, leaving duties such as new aircraft approvals, pilot recertifications, and routine safety authorizations unattended. We see a similar pattern now.
The FAA’s aircraft registration office in Oklahoma City, which is crucial for buying and selling aircraft and issuing tail numbers, has been deemed essential and remains operational. The FAA is continuing to issue pilot medical certificates as well. These steps, carried over from lessons learned in the 2018–2019 shutdown, help mitigate disruption. However, local FSDO-dependent processes such as field approvals, check ride observations, or inspector sign-offs are where delays will be most felt by operators. Below, we break down specific expectations and strategies for Part 91 private operations and Part 135 commercial operations during this period.
Part 91 Operations: Staying Compliant and Prepared
For Part 91 operators such as general aviation, corporate flight departments, and other non-commercial operators, day-to-day flying remains largely unaffected in terms of operational ability. You can dispatch flights as normal and use the National Airspace System with confidence that air traffic control and essential navigation services are up and running. The flying public and your passengers likely will not notice any difference in terms of flight safety or scheduling. This is because the FAA has kept critical operational personnel, like controllers, airport safety teams, and emergency responders, on the job to preserve the safety and efficiency of the NAS.
That said, Part 91 operators should be aware of slower support on the administrative side. If you are in the middle of a paperwork process with the FAA, expect delays. Some examples:
Aircraft registration or airworthiness certificates: If you have recently purchased an aircraft or need to register one, the central registry is functioning, but if any local FSDO inspection or sign-off is required, that step might be delayed. Plan for extra time before a new aircraft can be added to your lineup. Fortunately, the FAA’s main registry being open means title transfers and N-number assignments can still be filed; just do not expect much help from the local office if an in-person visit or question arises.
Pilot certifications and ratings: Most Part 91 pilots work with Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs) or training centers for their check rides. DPEs are not furloughed FAA employees, so they can still conduct practical tests. However, if a new pilot certificate or rating needs to be issued through FAA systems, there could be minor delays in processing. Pilot license upgrades or renewals that require FSDO action, such as clearance for a type rating check or a foreign pilot license verification, will likely be in a queue until normal operations resume. The FAA is continuing to issue medical certificates, so pilots should not worry about their medicals expiring.
Equipment and maintenance approvals: Part 91 operators, especially those with sophisticated aircraft, sometimes need FSDO involvement for things like MEL (Minimum Equipment List) approvals, field approvals of repairs or modifications, or letters of authorization. During the shutdown, new approvals of this nature will be difficult to obtain. If your request was already submitted, it is likely sitting until someone is back in the office to review it.
How can Part 91 operators adapt?
Plan and prioritize requests: If you have an issue that truly requires immediate FAA attention for safety, use the appropriate emergency channels. Non-urgent questions or nice-to-have requests should be held off.
Maintain strict compliance: In the absence of easy access to an inspector for guidance, rely on written regulations, your company’s operations manuals, and standard best practices. Ensure your pilots and maintenance personnel double-check regulatory requirements before each operation.
Utilize industry resources: Organizations like AOPA and NBAA often provide guidance to fill the gap when FAA advisory services are unavailable.
Keep documentation up to date: Continue to record all flights, maintenance actions, and pilot currency items diligently.
Overall, Part 91 operators should continue flying normally, just with a bit more self-reliance. The key message for private and corporate operators is that safety and compliance should remain your focus.
Part 135 Operations: Managing with Limited FAA Support
For Part 135 certificate holders, including charter operators, air taxi services, and other commercial operators, the shutdown’s effects on FSDO services are more noticeable.
Day-to-day flight operations: Part 135 flights are being supported by air traffic control as usual, so there is no disruption in flying your scheduled trips or ad-hoc charter legs. Dispatchers and pilots must stick strictly to approved procedures.
Certificate amendments: If you were in the process of adding a new aircraft to your Part 135 certificate or opening a new base, expect a delay. During the 2019 shutdown, some charter operators were unable to add aircraft to their certificates because no FAA inspector was available to conduct the required conformity inspections. If you are in a similar situation, plan for the addition to take longer than normal.
Crew training and checking: Part 135 relies heavily on check airmen and FAA oversight for pilot training programs. If your check airman authorizations or training program approvals are up for renewal, they likely will not be processed until after the shutdown. To avoid operational disruptions, review all your training and checking deadlines and adjust schedules accordingly.
Routine surveillance and inspections: Normally, your FSDO might conduct periodic ramp inspections, base visits, or manual audits. Those are likely suspended for now. Use this lull to self-audit your operations. Ensure your records, logs, and manuals are all in order.
Operational flexibility: If an aircraft has a minor maintenance issue that ordinarily would require FSDO approval for a special flight permit, consider alternative solutions. Your Designated Airworthiness Representatives or other approved designees may be able to assist.
In summary for Part 135 operators, continue your operations with vigilance and postpone any changes that require FAA approval. Keep communication lines open with crews and dispatchers, and operate strictly by the book.
How to Communicate with FSDOs During the Shutdown
Communication with the FAA during this period requires patience and strategy. Most FSDO offices have voicemail and email contacts that may still be monitored sporadically by managers. If you have an FSDO contact, you can send an email, but do not expect a prompt reply unless your message involves a safety issue.
Prioritize your inquiries:
Urgent operational issues should be communicated by phone using emergency contact procedures.
Regulatory compliance questions should be researched in existing documentation before contacting the FAA.
Routine status checks or updates should be avoided until the shutdown ends.
In any communication, keep your tone professional and understanding. Clear, concise messages will make it easier for FAA personnel to help once they return.
Maintaining Compliance in the Interim
Operators are still expected to follow all applicable FARs and Ops Specs. Here are key steps to uphold standards:
Internal Audits: Treat this period as an opportunity to review your operation. Ensure no inspections or qualifications are overdue.
Safety Management System: Continue to report and review any incidents or safety concerns internally. Maintain proactive safety habits even without active oversight.
Temporary SOP Adjustments: If the lack of FAA availability necessitates a change, document it and ensure it remains compliant.
Monitor relief measures: Stay alert for official extensions or relief notices from the FAA once the shutdown ends.
Use downtime productively: Conduct refresher training, update manuals, and prepare documentation.
By maintaining compliance and high standards, operators will emerge from the shutdown strong and ready to resume full operations.
Preparing for Post-Shutdown Backlogs
When the shutdown ends, FSDOs will need time to recall furloughed employees and resume processing.
Expect backlogs: Certification and inspection requests will take time to clear. Build flexibility into your schedule.
Be ready to file promptly: Have paperwork prepared and ready to send as soon as the government reopens.
Prioritize internally: Determine which requests are most critical and communicate them clearly to the FAA.
Be patient and courteous: Recognize that FAA staff will also be working through a backlog.
Catch up quickly: As soon as possible, complete any deferred inspections, check rides, or certifications.
By planning ahead, operators can transition smoothly from limited operations back to full activity.
San Antonio FSDO: Local Outlook
The San Antonio FSDO, located near San Antonio International Airport, normally operates Monday through Friday with a full staff overseeing a broad region of general aviation and commercial operators. Under the shutdown, it is likely functioning with minimal staffing. Appointments are extremely limited or unavailable unless tied to safety-critical matters.
If an incident occurs in the San Antonio area, there will still be a response through the FAA’s regional operations system. Routine monitoring, however, is minimal. Certification, paperwork, and inspections are expected to be delayed until the office reopens.
It is recommended that operators send summary emails documenting any pending requests for the record, while understanding that replies will likely come after reopening. Once the office resumes normal operations, prompt and organized communication will help staff prioritize requests efficiently.
Local operators should also collaborate within the community to share information and resources. The aviation network around San Antonio is strong and cooperative, and mutual support can help bridge the gap until services are fully restored.
A Forward-Looking Conclusion
This shutdown, like those before it, is a temporary hurdle. The U.S. aviation system remains resilient, and much of that strength comes from collaboration between operators and regulators.
Key takeaways:
Safety remains the top priority.
Avoid alarmism and stay fact-based.
Be adaptable and flexible in scheduling and planning.
Use the time to strengthen operations and documentation.
Plan now for the reopening period and backlogs.
Leadership in aviation means setting the tone for calm, competence, and forward thinking. Share factual updates with your teams, keep your organization focused on compliance, and use this period to improve readiness.
When FSDO personnel return, your preparation will pay off. Those who maintain discipline, organization, and proactive communication will recover fastest and continue serving clients without disruption.
The aviation community has always proven its ability to adapt and overcome. By focusing on what we can control—our professionalism, our compliance, and our teamwork—we ensure that business aviation continues to operate safely and efficiently through any challenge.
