FAA Reduces Flight Restrictions as General Aviation Adjusts to Shutdown
The FAA has updated its emergency order on Thursday, reducing the required flight cuts for general aviation at 40 high-impact airports from 10% to 6%. This change comes as a result of controller staffing improvements and the nearing end of the U.S. government shutdown. The revised order addresses the ongoing challenges faced by general aviation operators, all the while maintaining safety standards.
However, certain restrictions remain in place. These include potential reductions of up to 10% for general aviation during staffing trigger events and general aviation prohibitions at 12 of the busiest airports. The only exceptions to these prohibitions are for “based” aircraft and various emergency services. Industry groups, such as the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), have welcomed the restoration of funding and are advocating for equitable, safety-based reductions.
The FAA has also provided clarification on its definition of based aircraft. To qualify, an aircraft must be airworthy, operational, and present at a specific facility for more than six months. As the FAA expects to further ease restrictions as system conditions improve, general aviation operators continue to adapt to the evolving regulatory landscape while maintaining operational safety.
Source: AvWeb