How the Government Shutdown is Affecting FAA and DoD Review Processes
Based on our experience with previous shutdowns and what we’ve learned today, here’s what you can expect:
Specific to the FAA Aeronautical Study Process
- As of October 9th, 2025, the Obstruction Evaluation Group (OEG) is expected to shutdown between October 9th and October 10th. We expect the FAA portal to allow new filings in their online portal. However, we don’t expect any aeronautical studies to actually begin. No notices or determinations will be until operations resume.
Specific to the DoD Review Process
- Mitigation discussions affecting only the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) are likely to continue.
- The Military Aviation and Installation Assurance Siting Clearinghouse will pause work on all airspace-related Mitigation Response Team (MRTs) and drafting, or signing, Mitigation Agreements.
- No new Notices of Presumed Risk (NPRs) will be issued.
- Final determinations (positive or negative) are considered inherently governmental functions and will not occur until operations resume.
- Contract staff may provide status updates but are unlikely to take significant action on projects.
Post-Shutdown Expectations
When the government reopens, we expect a surge in project activity that will impact turnaround times for both existing and new filings. Based on experience, delays may extend to two to three times the length of the shutdown as agencies work through the backlog.
