COVID-19's Impact on FAA Operations

The aviation industry and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operations have been greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the impact of coronavirus is changing on a daily basis, aircraft operators should be aware of current issues affecting the industry.

The FAA has issued a memorandum concerning guidance for handling proposals to temporarily close or restrict all or parts of federally obligated airports related to public health concerns.

Additionally, the FAA filing window will no longer be open and accepting documents. The agency has said:

Closing documents such as bills of sale and release of liens should be submitted using a 2-Bin protocol, which will be located just outside the FAA filing office.

The FAA will not issue immediate filing times, as it will have to wait until these documents have been indexed, scanned and available for viewing online.

Closings will be impacted as alternative procedures are worked out for release of liens in connection with sale and placement of liens as well as the purchase of aircrafts. It should be possible to proceed with closing transactions that are in process, on a modified basis.

It is important to plan ahead for any transactions so those agreements can be modified to include possible contingencies. It is likely there will be further restrictions on operators, fixed base operators, airports, inspection and repair facilities and other aviation-related services based upon FAA requirements and federal, state and local restrictions.

To obtain more information, please contact the Barnes & Thornburg attorney with whom you work, or Todd A. Dixon at 616-742-3959 or todd.dixon@btlaw.com or Clifford G. Maine at 616-742-3944 or clifford.maine@btlaw.com.

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