Potential effect of US Government Shutdown on US Airshows from 1st October 2023

[Flightline UK]

From airshowstuff, the following message has been sent by ICAS to performers and event organisers regarding to ever more likely scenario of a US Government Shutdown at the weekend:

According to media reports and multiple sources within the U.S. government, Congress is not likely to approve an FY24 spending bill before the beginning of the new federal fiscal year at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, October 1. And that will likely have an impact on at least three issues for U.S. air shows yet to be held in October and November.

1. The U.S. Department of Defense has given informal, preparatory direction to its personnel that – if a budget is not approved by midnight on Saturday – participating aircraft and personnel will not be permitted to perform/appear at shows on Sunday, October 1. Most will be directed to return to their bases on Sunday morning, before air show audiences arrive at the show site. If a budget is subsequently approved by Congress, military performers will be permitted to immediately resume their air show activities.

2. In addition, military air shows scheduled for October and early November will not proceed unless or until Congress has approved an FY24 budget or a short-term extension. (Important note: Performers and vendors should check with their principal contacts at military air shows before making decisions related to their involvement in those events; specific direction may differ from base to base and those contacts may have more up to date information.)

3. The situation with the Federal Aviation Administration is less clear, but still a source of concern. Waivers approved for air shows on the weekend of September 30-October 1 will remain in effect and valid. The lack of monitors/inspectors caused by a government shutdown will not impact an air show’s ability to proceed with their event if a waiver has been approved and received by the air show. But it is possible, perhaps even likely, that work on waiver applications by FAA personnel will cease if an FY24 budget or temporary extension is not approved by Saturday night. ICAS encourages air shows scheduled for October and early November to immediately check with their IIC to see if final approval of the waiver application might be expedited and completed before close of business on this coming Friday, September 29.

[davedubya]

Could it potentially impact day-to-day operations at Lakenheath/Mildenhall?

[Nighthawke]

How? This only refers to US airshows.

[davedubya]

The shutdown as a whole, not the airshow matter.