Time to clear backlog of undelivered aircraft, GA tells FAA

WASHINGTON, D.C. — While officials from the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) welcomed the end of the U.S. federal government shutdown, they also said they hope the FAA will work closely with industry to clear the backlog of aircraft scheduled for delivery as quickly as possible.

The 16-day shutdown closed the FAA Registry office and delayed other certification activities, having a widespread effect on general aviation manufacturers. The Registry must approve each certificate of registration that is required for the sale, export and import of an aircraft. The Registry also manages all legal filings required for an aircraft transaction, including those tied to obtaining financing. As a result, the shutdown delayed deliveries of more than 150 newly manufactured airplanes with a total value of at least $1.9 billion.

“We are pleased our nation’s political leaders finally reached an agreement to end the shutdown, but the work now begins to get the Registry office and other critical FAA functions back up to full speed immediately,” GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce said. “It is essential for the general aviation manufacturing industry — and its employees — that the FAA reduce the backlog of new and used aircraft slated for delivery as soon as possible so we can get them to our customers.”

“The FAA must also act quickly to mitigate the shutdown’s other harmful effects on our industry, including the delay of new certification of aircraft, equipment and simulators; training and maintenance; and accident investigations,” Bunce continued. “As just one example, the FAA should consider a blanket exemption for all certifications, authority and qualifications that have or will expire shortly as a result of the shutdown. By taking these actions now, the FAA can begin to address the damage done to our industry by this shutdown and ensure that our companies and their employees can recover.”