Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), component of the U.S. Department of Transportation that sets standards for the air-worthiness of all civilian aircraft, inspects and licenses them, and regulates civilian and military air traffic through its air traffic control centers. It investigates air accidents and in response may establish new rules, for example, on de-icing and air-frame inspections. It also promotes the development of a national system of airports. Established as a federal agency in 1958 to regulate air commerce, it combined the Civil Aeronautics Administration and the Airways Modernization Board. The agency became part of the newly formed Transportation Dept. in 1967.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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