Is the shutdown affecting the safety of air travel?
While unions representing air traffic controllers and aviation safety inspectors are warning that the partial government shutdown is endangering the flying public, the Federal Aviation Administration – which is in partial function mode – is assuring the public that safety “is the top priority.”
In a terse statement the FAA said it is allocating resources based on risk assessment to meet all safety critical functions. “If we identify an issue, we recall inspectors and engineers to address it.” The agency added that air traffic controllers and the technicians “who maintain the nation’s airspace system continue to serve their critical mission.”