Federal Aviation Administration

Understanding the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is a U.S. federal government agency within the Department of Transportation that regulates civil aviation in the United States and surrounding international waters.

A Brief History

Did you know that the FAA’s roots can be traced back to the Air Commerce Act of 1926? This act laid the foundation for federal regulation of civil aviation, setting the stage for what would eventually become one of the most critical agencies in ensuring air safety. The Aeronautics Branch took on primary responsibility for oversight after its passage.

Evolution and Reorganization

The FAA’s journey is a tale of transformation. In 1958, it was established as the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA), replacing the Civil Aeronautics Administration. By 1967, it became part of the Department of Transportation, marking another significant shift in its organizational structure.

Key Functions and Operations

The FAA operates five ‘lines of business’: Air Traffic Organization, Aviation Safety, Airports, Office of Commercial Space Transportation, and Security and Hazardous Materials Safety. These functions are crucial for maintaining the safety and efficiency of America’s airspace.

Headquarters and Regional Offices

The agency is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with additional support and research centers in New Jersey and Oklahoma City for air traffic control and training. The FAA has nine regional administrative offices spread across the country to ensure comprehensive coverage:

• Alaskan Region – Anchorage, Alaska
• Northwest Mountain – Seattle, Washington
• Northwestern Pacific – Los Angeles, California
• Southwest – Fort Worth, Texas
• Central – Kansas City, Missouri
• Great Lakes – Chicago, Illinois
• Southern – Atlanta, Georgia
• Eastern – New York, New York
• New England – Boston, Massachusetts

The FAA’s Regulatory Role

The FAA’s regulatory role is multifaceted. It certifies personnel and aircraft, sets standards for airports, and protects U.S. assets during commercial space vehicle launches or re-entries. The agency also operates a complex hiring process for air traffic controllers, which includes the Certified Training Instructor (CTI) program and the ‘Bio-Q’ test.

Challenges and Controversies

The FAA has faced numerous challenges over the years, including regulatory capture, lax oversight, and conflicting roles. In 2008, for instance, it fined Southwest Airlines $10.2 million for failing to conduct mandatory inspections, but many felt the fine was too low. The agency’s dual role of regulating and encouraging aerospace travel has been criticized as contradictory.

Recent Developments

In 2013, the FAA announced new rules allowing passengers to use portable electronic devices during flights. In 2014, it suspended US airline flights to Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport due to conflict. The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 mandated that the agency establish minimum requirements for airplane seats by 2020.

The Boeing 737 MAX Controversy

The Boeing 737 MAX controversy led to widespread grounding of the aircraft globally, but the FAA declined to ground the MAX 8 in the US due to ongoing review. The agency’s investigation found that it had colluded with Boeing on recertification test flights and attempted to cover up important information.

Designated Engineering Representative (DER) System

The FAA has a Designated Engineering Representative (DER) system, which allows companies and independent consultants to act on behalf of the FAA in airworthiness exams and tests. There are two types of DARs: manufacturing and maintenance. The agency provides indemnification for DERs and DARs but offers no federal protection for their work or decisions made as part of the appointment.

Continued Airworthiness Notifications to the International Community (CANIC)

A CANIC is a notification from the FAA to civil airworthiness authorities of foreign countries of pending significant safety actions. The FAA has issued CANICs for various significant safety actions, including the continued airworthiness of the Boeing 737 MAX after its crash and the ungrounding of the aircraft following a period of grounding.

Future Prospects

The U.S. law requires regular reauthorization of the FAA’s budget and mandate. A proposed bill to move authority over air traffic control from the FAA to a non-profit corporation was introduced in the House but expired at the end of the 114th Congress.

Conclusion

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plays an indispensable role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of America’s airspace. From its humble beginnings under the Air Commerce Act to its current multifaceted operations, the FAA has evolved significantly over the years. However, it continues to face challenges that require ongoing reform and improvement.