On October 1, 2025, at 12:01 a.m., the US government shut down because of congressional gridlock over questions of federal funding. Essential services related to airspace safety will continue to operate during this period, but AMA members might experience some minor disruptions, depending on how quickly the shutdown is resolved.
The current expectation is that a portion of FAA staff who work on FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs), Airspace Authorizations, and altitude extensions will likely be furloughed after this Friday, October 3, 2025, until a resolution is reached. Members with pending applications might still have them processed during this time but should expect longer review periods and potential holds on approval for difficult cases.
Outside of a slowdown in pending applications, the shutdown should have little impact on hobbyists. If you have questions regarding your specific situation, please contact amagov@modelaircraft.org or lucasr@modelaircraft.org for assistance and more information.
To remain current with the most recent government-related news, regularly visit the AMA Government Affairs blog. If you have any further questions or concerns, contact the Government Affairs department at (765) 287-1256 or amagov@modelaircraft.org.