The shutdown impacts Federal FAA controllers (at major centers/towers) who are considered essential and must work without pay. However, many smaller FBO-servin

The shutdown impacts Federal FAA controllers (at major centers/towers) who are considered essential and must work without pay. However, many smaller FBO-serving towers are staffed by Contract Controllers, who are employed by private companies holding FAA contracts. These contract controllers generally continue to receive their pay during a shutdown, shielding them from the immediate financial crisis affecting their federal counterparts.