FAA (Federal Aviation Administration)
The US agency responsible for civil aviation. Discussed in the context of major outages, the need for technological upgrades, and its remarkable safety record.
First Mentioned
10/31/2025, 4:03:55 AM
Last Updated
10/31/2025, 4:08:53 AM
Research Retrieved
10/31/2025, 4:08:53 AM
Summary
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is a U.S. federal government agency operating under the Department of Transportation, primarily responsible for regulating civil aviation within the United States and its surrounding international waters. It was initially established in August 1958 as the Federal Aviation Agency, taking over the functions of the Civil Aeronautics Administration. In 1967, it was integrated into the newly formed U.S. Department of Transportation and subsequently renamed the Federal Aviation Administration. The FAA's extensive responsibilities include air traffic control, the certification of aviation personnel and aircraft, setting standards for airports, and ensuring the protection of U.S. assets during commercial space vehicle launches and re-entries. Its authority over neighboring international waters is delegated by the International Civil Aviation Organization. Pete Buttigieg, during his tenure as head of the Department of Transportation, notably discussed the ongoing challenges associated with upgrading the FAA's technology.
Referenced in 1 Document
Research Data
Extracted Attributes
Agency Type
U.S. federal government agency
Headquarters
800 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20591, United States of America
Primary Mission
Regulate civil aviation in the United States and surrounding international waters
Parent Organization
U.S. Department of Transportation
Key Responsibilities
Air traffic control, certification of personnel and aircraft, setting standards for airports, protection of U.S. assets during commercial space vehicle launches or re-entries
Administrator Reports To
U.S. Secretary of Transportation
Organizational Structure
Five major regulatory offices: Air Traffic Organization, Airports, Commercial Space Transportation, Aviation Safety, and Security & Hazardous Materials Safety
Timeline
- Created as the Federal Aviation Agency, replacing the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA). (Source: Wikipedia)
1958-08
- Became part of the newly formed U.S. Department of Transportation and was renamed the Federal Aviation Administration. (Source: Web Search Results (ScienceDirect))
1967-04-01
- Challenges of upgrading the FAA's technology discussed by Pete Buttigieg. (Source: related_documents)
Ongoing
Wikipedia
View on WikipediaFederal Aviation Administration
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is a U.S. federal government agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation that regulates civil aviation in the United States and surrounding international waters. Its powers include air traffic control, certification of personnel and aircraft, setting standards for airports, and protection of U.S. assets during the launch or re-entry of commercial space vehicles. Powers over neighboring international waters were delegated to the FAA by authority of the International Civil Aviation Organization. The FAA was created in August 1958 (1958-08) as the Federal Aviation Agency, replacing the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA). In 1967, the FAA became part of the newly formed U.S. Department of Transportation and was renamed the Federal Aviation Administration.
Web Search Results
- Federal Aviation Administration - Wikipedia
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is a U.S. federal government agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation that regulates civil aviation in the United States and surrounding international waters.: 12, 16 Its powers include air traffic control, certification of personnel and aircraft, setting standards for airports, and protection of U.S. assets during the launch or re-entry of commercial space vehicles. Powers over neighboring international waters were delegated to the FAA by [...] The FAA was created in August 1958 (1958-08) as the Federal Aviation Agency, replacing the Civil Aeronautics Administration "Civil Aeronautics Administration (United States)") (CAA). In 1967, the FAA became part of the newly formed U.S. Department of Transportation and was renamed the Federal Aviation Administration. ## Major functions [edit] The FAA's roles include: [...] In 1967, a new U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) combined major federal responsibilities for air and surface transport. The Federal Aviation Agency's name changed to the Federal Aviation Administration as it became one of several agencies (e.g., Federal Highway Administration, Federal Railroad Administration, the Coast Guard, and the Saint Lawrence Seaway Commission) within DOT. The FAA administrator no longer reported directly to the president, but instead to the Secretary of
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) | Definition, Functions, History ...
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), agency of the U.S. federal government that is responsible for ensuring the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in the United States and in surrounding international waters. Created as the independent Federal Aviation Agency in 1958, it was incorporated into the newly established Department of Transportation as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 1967. ## Functions [...] In the service of its regulatory responsibilities, the FAA exercises authority over air traffic control and the training and certification of pilots and aviation technicians. The FAA sets safety and efficiency standards for all U.S. airports and oversees domestic aviation through its Flight Standards District Offices. Although the FAA is primarily responsible for civil aviation, it has also developed and operates air traffic control and navigation systems for military aircraft. It regulates the [...] Areas Of Involvement: : aviation See all related content ## Leadership and organization The FAA is headed by an administrator who reports to the U.S. secretary of transportation. The agency is organized into five major regulatory offices (which it officially refers to as “Lines of Business”): Air Traffic Organization, Airports, Commercial Space Transportation, Aviation Safety, and Security & Hazardous Materials Safety. Sophia Decherney The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
- Understanding the FAA and Its Crucial Role in Aviation
Let’s start with The Federal Aviation Administration or the FAA. The FAA is a key regulatory agency within the United States Department of Transportation (DOT). Established in 1958, its primary mission is to oversee and regulate civil aviation within the United States, ensuring the safety and efficiency of the nation’s airspace. #### What are the responsibilities of the FAA? Safety Regulation [...] The FAA is responsible for setting and enforcing safety standards for all aspects of civil aviation, including aircraft design, maintenance, and operations. Through rigorous certification processes, the FAA ensures that aircraft and aviation equipment meet strict safety requirements before being allowed to operate. Air Traffic Control [...] The FAA manages the nation’s air traffic control system, coordinating the movement of aircraft to prevent collisions and ensure the safe and efficient flow of air traffic. Air traffic controllers, trained and certified by the FAA, work in control towers and en route centers to guide aircraft during takeoff, landing, and en route phases. Airport Regulation The FAA oversees the construction and operation of airports, ensuring that they meet safety and security standards.
- Who We Are | Federal Aviation Administration
is the organization responsible for managing our nation's busy skies. With more than a million domestic passengers and countless tons of cargo in the air every day, our mission is a far-reaching and critical one. Our nationwide workforce is dedicated to providing the American public with the safest, most efficient and environmentally responsible civil aviation systems and airspace possible. [...] The FAA carries a huge responsibility – from directing air traffic in and around the nation and helping ensure protection of the public during space launches, to airport safety and inspections, and standards for airport design, construction, and operation; regulating flight inspection standards and advancing satellite and navigation technology, to developing and maintaining theNext Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). [...] August 20, 2025 Investigations Specialist (Digital Forensics) $63,671.00 - $118,696.00 PA Washington, District of Columbia College Park, Georgia Fort Worth, Texas Des Moines, Washington August 20, 2025 View all open FAA jobs U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration 800 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20591 866.835.5322 (866-TELL-FAA) Contact Us Get Important Info/Data
- Federal Aviation Administration - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
In 1966, Congress authorized the creation of a cabinet department that would combine major Federal transportation responsibilities. This new Department of Transportation (DOT) began full operations on 1 April 1967. On that day, the FAA became one of the several modal organizations within the DOT and was given a new name, the Federal Aviation Administration. At the same time, the CAB’s accident investigation function was transferred to the new National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). [...] In 1966, Congress authorized the creation of a cabinet department that would combine major Federal transportation responsibilities. This new Department of Transportation (DOT) began full operations on 1 April 1967. On that day, the FAA became one of the several modal organizations within the DOT and was given a new name, the Federal Aviation Administration. At the same time, the CAB’s accident investigation function was transferred to the new National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). [...] The FAA registers aircraft and records documents reflecting title or interest in aircraft and their parts. It administers an aviation insurance programme, develops specifications for aeronautical charts, and publishes information on airways, airport services, and other technical subjects in aeronautics. ##### 3.5.2.8 Summary of Federal Aviation Administration activities The FAA is responsible for the safety of civil aviation. Its main roles include the following:
Location Data
Federal Aviation Administration, 800, Independence Avenue Southwest, Ward 6, Washington, District of Columbia, 20591, United States of America
Coordinates: 38.8868647, -77.0229493
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