Which agency of the U.S. government has the primary responsibility for regulating aviation safety?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the primary agency responsible for regulating aviation safety in the United States. Founded in 1958, the FAA's mission encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including the oversight of civil aviation safety, the management of air traffic control, the regulation of aircraft manufacturing, and the enforcement of safety regulations across the aviation industry. The FAA sets the standards and regulations that ensure the safety of aircraft operations and the flying public, making it the central authority in this area.

While the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is involved in research and development and furthering aerospace technology, it does not directly regulate aviation safety. Similarly, the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), which was disbanded in the 1980s, once oversaw economic regulation and safety in aviation but is no longer active. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) plays a crucial role in investigating aviation accidents and making safety recommendations but does not have regulatory authority over aviation safety operations. Hence, the FAA's dedicated responsibility for establishing and enforcing aviation safety standards firmly positions it as the correct choice.