FAA Aircraft Registry Operations During a Potential U.S. Government Shutdown

When Washington fails to pass a budget, parts of the federal government shut down until agreement is reached. For the aviation sector, one critical question emerges: how would such a shutdown impact aircraft registration through the FAA?

As of this writing, a federal government shutdown is becoming an increasing threat and could have widespread implications for many American industries. Based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the FAA’s Civil Aircraft Registry (including the Public Documents Room) is the system through which aircraft owners file registration applications, mortgages and liens, title transfers, leases, and other documents affecting the rights and interests in and to particular aircraft assets.

Without proper processing, an aircraft may lack valid registration status, which can curb legal flight operations. Historically, the Department of Transportation has designated certain FAA functions as “excepted,” meaning they are essential to public safety and must continue to operate despite funding lapses.

The FAA Registry has confirmed that the Public Documents Room “will remain open and business as usual” in an email announcement sent just before midnight on September 29. This indicates that in the event of a shutdown, entities operating out of the Public Documents Room can still submit documents, access aircraft records, and expect the FAA to process filings.

The announcement did leave the door open for changes in the operational status of the Registry, but an outright closure of the Public Documents Room is not expected. Gilchrist Aviation Law has employees positioned in the Public Documents Room, and we are primed to provide or obtain real-time answers to your ever-evolving questions regarding aircraft registration and the Registry’s operational status during uncertain times.

photo credit: Mayer Tawfik via Unsplash