The FAA is the Federal Aviation Administration and is an agency of the US Department of Transportation. The Federal Aviation Act of 1958 created the agency under the name Federal Aviation Agency, and it changed to its present name in 1967. The FAA plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of aviation in the United States. Due to its participation in international organisations and agreements, it has a significant impact on global aviation standards. The FAA’s mission is to ensure the safety, efficiency and integrity of the US national airspace system.
What are the responsibilities of the FAA?
The FAA has numerous responsibilities. These include:
- Setting and enforcing safety standards for aircraft and aircraft navigation systems
- Overseeing air traffic control and navigation systems
- Maintaining the nation’s airports and airspace infrastructure
- Carrying out research in order to improve aviation safety
- Developing aviation technology
- Issuing and enforcing regulations for pilots, air traffic controllers and others in the aviation industry
- Regulating the development and use of unmanned aircraft systems (drones)
What problems does it face?
From the beginning, the agency faced a number of challenges. For example, in 1961 the first series of aircraft hijackings in the US occurred. That year, in August, the federal government started employing armed guards on civilian airplanes. A month later, President Kennedy signed an amendment to the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, making it a criminal offence to hijack an aircraft, interfere with cabin crew, or carry a dangerous weapon on board an aircraft.
In the late 1960s an economic boom caused increased concerns about pollution and noise. Aviation had become one of the biggest environmental concerns with the public due to the increase in aircraft usage in the US. Due to this growth, the challenge then faced by the FAA was the necessity to increase airport safety and capacity. This was mostly to prevent delays, as schedule delays could cost millions of dollars each year.
What does the future look like for the FAA?
Thanks to the work of the FAA, aviation now links Americans nationally and to the rest of the globe. The agency has created the safest and most reliable air transportation system in the world. It works with federal and industry partners to develop an aerospace system meeting the needs of businesses and customers now. There is a need to constantly improve service, continually lower costs, continue to increase capacity, and improve security measures. The Federal Aviation Administration has defined a vision of the future that strives to achieve all of these things. It will also integrate achievements in security, efficiency and environmental harmony.
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