According to reports, the Federal Aviation Administration’s Aviation Safety organization is operating with reduced numbers. For design and production services (Aircraft Certification Services—AIR) that means about 100 employees; for Flight Standards Services (AFS) there are about 200 personnel system-wide. AIR has not halted airworthiness directives but all other activities are virtually at a standstill. The registry is shut down, and Special Flight Authorizations (ferry permits) and import/export activities are suspended.

There should be a bang-up business going on for persons with delegated authority—designated airworthiness representatives, designated engineering representatives and the like. 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 183 contains the requirements and power for the FAA to issue delegations of authority to individuals and companies. While the process for obtaining a delegation is slow and painful, when granted within the proper parameters the ability to issue approvals and authorizations without the direct involvement of an FAA employee is essential to the continued operation of a business. We can all stand by and complain because the government we paid for is failing to perform to expectations; that, however, does not get the flight permit or data approved. The government has never been as accountable as a private person or company. When business interests depend solely on an administrative entity that does not allow itself to be sued or questioned without retribution or enormous cost, the risk for failure is extremely high.

Taking control of a company’s destiny within a regulated environment requires knowledge and persistence in obtaining the tools necessary for uninterrupted viability. Anyone needing the intervention of a government employee to ensure the continued operation of a business must seriously consider the alternatives available from the regulations. Delegations of authority under part 183 is a great place to start your search for control against, if not independence from, the vagaries of government.

Please take a moment to complete ARSA’s survey on the government shutdown.