FAA Recalls Aircraft Inspectors from Furlough as Shutdown Strains Aviation Safety

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has begun recalling aircraft inspectors from furloughs to keep essential aviation safety operations running during the ongoing U.S. government shutdown. The move comes amid growing concern that prolonged disruptions could strain oversight of commercial aviation at a time when the industry is already facing staffing shortages and heightened safety scrutiny.

While air traffic controllers have been working without pay to maintain U.S. airspace operations, aircraft inspection has become a more complex challenge. Sources said that principal aviation safety inspectors were instructed to continue working, while assistant-level inspectors and support staff were initially furloughed—only to be recalled and, in some cases, furloughed again days later. This constant cycling of personnel has disrupted continuity in oversight and added pressure to an already overstretched system.

Dave Spero, president of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS) union, confirmed that inspectors have been recalled, but the situation varies widely across FAA offices. “Some offices are operating as usual, while others are using their discretionary authority to furlough and recall employees on a day-to-day basis,” Spero said. The union estimates that the shutdown has affected approximately 1,200 flight standards workers and about 60 certification specialists. Training for new inspectors—deemed nonessential—remains suspended.

An official from the Department of Transportation noted that some inspectors were not automatically exempted from furloughs and that “cycling” them between active and furloughed status has become necessary to maintain critical inspections. Supervisors reportedly have the authority to recall administrative professionals as needed, often for limited stints ranging from one to seven days per week.

Aviation safety professionals warn that while passengers may not immediately notice the effects, the system’s resilience is being tested. Inspectors play a vital role in ensuring compliance with FAA safety standards across all aircraft, including those operated by major airlines, cargo carriers like FedEx and UPS, and manufacturers such as Boeing. These workers monitor everything from maintenance and cabin safety to operational procedures—a mission considered critical to aviation safety.

Last month, several aviation industry groups warned Congress that during a shutdown, FAA employees “cannot perform their duties that support aviation safety, aircraft certification, and the integration of new entrants.” The ongoing disruption has intensified concerns about maintaining oversight and certification work, especially given recent safety incidents involving Boeing aircraft.

FAA officials have not provided specifics on how many employees are being cycled between recall and furlough, nor which regional offices are most affected. In a statement, the FAA said: “As Secretary [Sean] Duffy has said, there have been increased staffing shortages across the system. When that happens, the FAA slows traffic into some airports to ensure safe operations.”

As the shutdown continues, aviation unions and industry leaders are warning that the constant stop-start pattern for critical staff could create long-term risks to aviation safety and efficiency—underscoring the fragility of an industry that depends on continuous oversight to keep the skies safe.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, fastcompany.com