Federal Shutdown At Oklahoma FAA Branch Halts Wichita Aviation Sales

The federal government shutdown has affected the Wichita general aviation industry, which can't complete aircraft sales without a key office in the Federal Aviation Administration.

Aircraft sales can't be finalized because aircraft registrations can't be obtained through the Federal Aviation Administration's Aircraft Registry Branch in Oklahoma City. The Wichita Eagle reported that the registry office is closed.

Hundreds of thousands of federal workers have been furloughed and offices closed Tuesday when Congress failed to pass legislation to authorize spending after Sept. 30.

General Aircraft Manufacturers Association president and CEO Pete Bunce says the current closure also comes at the start of the busiest time for aircraft deliveries.

Bombardier and Beechcraft say they're closely monitoring the federal shutdown. Cessna declined comment.