FAA Recalling Some Aviation Safety Inspectors

The partial government shutdown has forced the furlough of most NTSB investigators, forcing the board to halt its accident investigation work.

Politico reports that there are 12 incidents so far that are not being looked into, including a GA accident that fatally injured four people. In at least four incidents, the furloughs have prevented the NTSB from gathering the necessary information to make a determination about opening an investigation.

The NTSB’s acting director of the Office of Safety Recommendations and Communications Dolline Hatchett said that all of the incidents will be investigated once the partial shutdown ends. Some investigators have been reinstated to assist in aviation accidents in Indonesia, Mexico and South Korea, she said.

In addition, eleven meetings or presentations have been cancelled or postponed, including the release of the NTSB's "Most Wanted List" of safety recommendations that was set for release January 15.

Meanwhile, the FAA is recalling some 1,700 aviation safety inspectors despite the ongoing partial shutdown.

Reuters reports that that an FAA spokesman said Tuesday that the agency is "recalling inspectors and engineers to perform duties to ensure continuous operational safety of the entire national airspace. We proactively conduct risk assessment, and we have determined that after three weeks it is appropriate to recall inspectors and engineers."

By the end of the week, the FAA says it will have 3,100 safety personnel on the job, including 2,200 inspectors compared to 500 inspectors last week.

The shutdown has stalled approval of new aircraft and new airline routes. It is also affecting the certification program for Gulfstream's new G600, according to the planemaker.

(Image from file)

FMI: Source report, Source report