Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation established as the Federal Aviation Agency by the Federal Aviation Act of 1958. When the Federal Aviation Agency became part of the Department of Transportation on April 1, 1967, the word agency in its title was changed to administration.

The primary responsibilities of the FAA are to regulate air commerce in order to promote its development and safety and fulfill the requirements of national defense; promote and develop civil aviation and a national system of airports; manage navigable airspace within the United States and regulate air traffic in the interests of safety and efficiency; consolidate research and development and the installation and operation of air navigation facilities; and develop and operate air traffic control and navigation systems for both civil and military aircraft.