FAA Notes

FAA History

• $1926$ Air Commerce Act: first federal law to govern civil aviation; Aeronautics Branch established in the Department of Commerce; oversight areas include airworthiness, airmen, navigational facilities, accident investigation; later renamed the Bureau of Air Commerce in $1934$.

• $1938$ Civil Aeronautics Act: created independent Civil Aeronautics Authority; emphasis on safety; authority to legislate safety and promote civil aviation industry; Air Safety Board established to investigate accidents.

• $1940$ Amendment: oversight split into Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) within the DOC for safety enforcement, ATC, airman and aircraft certification, and airway development; Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) as an independent agency for safety rulemaking, accident investigation, and economic regulation.

• $1958$ Federal Aviation Act: created the Federal Aviation Agency; CAA abolished; CAB handles accident investigation and economic regulation; FAA takes over safety rulemaking.

• $1966$ Department of Transportation Act: renamed to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); CAB remains for airline regulation in some areas; National Transportation Board (NTSB) created for accident investigations across all transport modes; NTSB reports to the President; DOT initially housed NTSB until $1974$ when it became independent.

• $Today$: FAA structural continuity with core safety and oversight roles; NTSB remains the independent accident investigator for all modes of transportation.

FAA Today

• Mission: "Our continuing mission is to provide the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world."

• Structure: HQ in Washington, DC with $9$ regional offices; $13$ Divisions; approximately $45{,}000+$ employees; $25.1$ Billion budget request (2024).

FAA Administrator

• Appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate; serves a $5$-year term.

• Principal aviation advisor to the Secretary of Transportation.

• Current: Michael Whitaker (took office in $2023$, Oct).

FAA Offices and Major Divisions

• Air Traffic Organization (ATO): largest division; manages $45{,}000$ daily flights; subunits include:

  • Air Traffic Control Towers (ATC)

  • Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCC)

  • Terminal Radar Approach Control Facilities (TRACON)

  • Also oversees Flight Services.

• Flight Services (part of ATO): pilot briefings, enroute communications, VFR search and rescue, NOTAMs, weather, navigational aids, etc.

• Aviation Safety (AVS): second largest; oversight of Flight Standards, Aerospace Medical, Rulemaking, Accident Investigation and Prevention, Aircraft Certification, Air Traffic Oversight; most public-facing.

• Airports (ARP): plans and develops a safe national airport system; responsibilities include airport safety, inspections, design/construction/operation, grant awards, facility inspection fees.

• Other Divisions:

  • Commercial Space Transportation (AST)

  • Government and Industry Affairs (AGI)

  • Security and Hazardous Materials Safety (ASH)

  • Policy, International Affairs and Environment (APL)

  • Finance and Management (AFN)

• NextGen (ANG): modernizing airspace using satellite-based tech; impacts ATO, aircraft, airports, and pilots.

• William J. Hughes Technical Center (Atlantic City, NJ): premier aviation R&D test & evaluation facility; focuses on ATC, Communications, Navigation, Airports, Aircraft Safety, Security; various R&D facilities and labs.

The FAA 101

• Quick reference overview of FAA structure and functions (overview slides).

FAA Administrator (Detailed)

• Appointed by the President; confirmed by the Senate; term $5$ years.

• Principal aviation advisor to the Secretary of Transportation.

• Current administrator: Michael Whitaker (since $Oct 2023$).

NextGen (ANG) Details

• Objective: implement the most efficient use of airspace via advanced technologies (e.g., satellites).

• Impacts: ATO operations, aircraft systems, airport operations, and pilot procedures.

• Key facility: William J. Hughes Technical Center (Atlantic City, NJ) – R&D hub for testing in ATC, Communications, Navigation, Airports, Aircraft Safety, Security.

Airports and Facilities

• ARP focuses on national airport system safety, inspections, design/construction/operation, grants, and facility fees.

• Major national labs and test facilities support aviation research and safety improvements.

Review / Quick Reference

• Key milestones in FAA history: $1926$ Act, $1938$ Act, $1940$ split, $1958$ Act, $1966/1974$ DOT/NTSB changes.

• FAA Today: mission, structure, and major divisions (ATO, AVS, ARP, ANG).

• NextGen focus: satellite-based navigation and efficiency.

• Major centers: WJHTC in Atlantic City for R&D.

• Administrator role and term: appointed by President, 5-year term; current leader as of $2023$.

FAA Centers and Infrastructure (Additional Reference)

• Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center (OKC) – training, certifications, and support services for aviation professionals.