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The Federal Aviation Administration
The FAA is responsible for the safety of civil aviation in the USA. The Federal Aviation Act of 1958 created the agency under the name Federal Aviation Agency. The FAA adopted its present name in 1967 when it became a part of the USA Department of Transportation. The major roles include:
- Regulating civil aviation to promote safety
- Encouraging and developing civil aeronautics, including new aviation technology
- Developing and operating a system of air traffic control and navigation for both civil and military aircraft
- Researching and developing the National Airspace System and civil aeronautics
- Developing and carrying out programs to control aircraft noise and other environmental effects of civil aviation
- Regulating U.S. commercial space transportation
Activities
The FAA issues and enforces regulations and minimum standards covering manufacturing, operating, and maintaining aircraft. The FAA certifies all airmen and those airports that services air carriers.
The safe and efficient use of navigable airspace is one of the primary objectives. The FAA operates a network of airport towers, air route traffic control centres, and flight service stations. The FAA develops air traffic rules, assign the use of airspace, and control air traffic.
The FAA builds or installs visual and electronic aids to air navigation. The FAA maintains, operates, and assures the quality of these facilities. The FAA also sustains other systems to support air navigation and air traffic control, including voice and data communications equipment, radar facilities, computer systems, and visual display equipment at flight service stations.
The FAA promotes aviation safety and encourages civil aviation abroad. The FAA exchanges aeronautical information with foreign authorities; certify foreign repair shops, airmen, and mechanics; provide technical aid and training; negotiate bilateral airworthiness agreements with other countries; and takes part in international conferences.
The FAA regulates and encourages the U.S. commercial space transportation industry. The FAA licenses commercial space launch facilities and private launches of space payloads on expendable launch vehicles.
The FAA researches and develops the systems and procedures we need for a safe and efficient system of air navigation and air traffic control. The FAA helps develop better aircraft, engines, and equipment and test or evaluate aviation systems, devices, materials, and procedures. The FAA also undertakes aeromedical research.
The FAA registers aircraft and record documents reflecting title or interest in aircraft and their parts. The FAA administers an aviation insurance program, develop specifications for aeronautical charts, and publish information on airways, airport services, and other technical subjects in aeronautics.
An Administrator manages FAA, assisted by a Deputy Administrator. Five Associate Administrators report to the Administrator and direct the line-of-business organisations that carry out the agency's principle functions. The Chief Counsel and nine Assistant Administrators also report to the Administrator. The Assistant Administrators oversee other key programs such as Human Resources, Budget, and System Safety. |
