The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the U.S. government agency within the Department of Transportation responsible for regulating civil aviation to ensure safety, security, and efficiency. It manages over 50,000 daily commercial and general aviation flights, operates the National Airspace System, and oversees air traffic control for civil and military aircraft.
Safety Regulation and Certification
The FAA issues and enforces regulations on aircraft manufacturing, operation, and maintenance. It certifies pilots, mechanics, aircraft, and airports serving air carriers, while regulating U.S. commercial space transportation and developing programs to control aircraft noise and environmental impacts.
Air Traffic Management
The FAA operates air traffic control towers, radar facilities, and flight service stations, developing air traffic rules and assigning airspace for safe aircraft movement. To address capacity challenges or safety issues, it implements measures like those explained in why the FAA ordered a 10% flight reduction.
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