The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is an agency in the U.S. Department of Transportation responsible for the safety of civil air transportation. Its other roles include research and development, implementing programs to control noise pollution resulting from air traffic, and regulating launches of commercial space payloads.
Originally called the Federal Aviation Agency, the Federal Aviation Administration was created when Congress passed the Federal Aviation Act of 1958. Its responsibilities included overseeing licensing and certification of pilots and aircraft, development of air navigation and air traffic-control systems, and adopting the safety rules and policy-making functions of the Civil Aeronautics Board. In 1967 it became part of the Department of Transportation and took its present name.
The Federal Aviation Administration is comprised mainly of seven organizations whose leaders report to the administrator and deputy administrator. Other significant programs are managed by assistant administrators. The Federal Aviation Administration’s primary role is to enforce safety and security policy within the industry. The National Transportation Safety Board frequently makes recommendations for safety inspections and aircraft repair as a result of accident investigations. It is at the Federal Aviation Administration’s discretion to enforce such recommendations.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) oversees all activities with regard to aviation operations, and its activities are a pivotal part of the business aspects of the aviation industry. Airlines and the aviation industry in general are strongly affected by Federal Aviation Administration mandates. Inspection orders, requirements for hiring policies for employees and contractors, upgrades to equipment, and updated procedures are some of the common directives issued by the Federal Aviation Administration. These directives can be determining factors in how safe or successful the industry will be. Ordered inspections, for example, are time-consuming and costly for airlines. Grounding aircraft for inspection and repair often requires cancellation of flights and incurred costs ultimately reach the consumer.
Past air disasters, particularly the TWA Flight 800 explosion over Long Island, New York, in July 1996, have raised questions about the Federal Aviation Administration’s performance in maintaining air safety and security. Many critics claim that mandates for inspection, upgrades, and policies regarding aging aircraft have come only in response to tragedy. However, in 1998 the Federal Aviation Administration responded immediately by ordering the inspection of older Boeing 737s when frayed wiring was found during routine maintenance.
Following the TWA disaster, when initial evidence suggested terrorism, President Bill Clinton directed the Federal Aviation Administration to put into operation specific recommendations dealing with airport and airline security. Few have been fully implemented, others not at all. Scrutiny regarding security increased after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
Other FAA functions include promoting aviation safety abroad, constructing and maintaining navigational facilities, developing new aviation technology, providing airtravel advisories, awarding grants and scholarships, and participating in outreach programs.
Further reading
Federal Aviation Administration website. URL: http://www.faa.gov.