Could Delay Electronic Device And Other Decisions

The FAA and DOT said Monday that aviation rulemaking will be one of the functions suspended under the government shutdown that went into effect Tuesday.

Many in the airline industry and millions of passengers have been waiting for a decision by the agency on whether to allow the use of electronic devices below 10,000 feet. But The DOT said that no rulemaking decisions would be made while the government is reduced to "essential services" and Congress continues to bicker over Obamacare, according to a report from The Hill.

The FAA's FAASTeam sent an e-mail Monday indicating that postponement or cancellation of safety events and seminars may come with little or no advance notice.

"There may also be an impact on pending SPANS events, Notices, and FAASTeam Directory Applications," the e-mail said. "In the event of a government shutdown, there may be delayed response to requests that are submitted (or still pending) on or after October 1, 2013."

FMI: www.faa.gov