About the FAA
The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) is part of the Department of Transportation and is responsible for the safety of civil aviation. The activities of the FAA include:
- Regulating civil aviation, including commercial service airports, 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 reduce aircraft noise and other environmental effects of civil aviation; and
- Regulating U.S. commercial space transportation.
The FAA provides the framework for a safe, secure, and efficient aviation system. As a leading authority in the international aviation community, the agency is responsive to the dynamic nature of customer needs, economic conditions, and environmental concerns. The FAA encourages and supports innovative research to improve airport and aviation safety, improve aviation capacity, and reduce environmental impact.