Past and present The Federal Aviation Administration of the United States (FAA) leaders and employees gathered in Washington, DC on August 30, 2018 to commemorate the FAA’s 60th Anniversary. The theme of the event was Remember, Respect, Renew.
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U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao kicked off the event and praised the FAA employees’ efforts over the past six decades. She expressed her support of FAA’s safety efforts by stating, “I stand with you today to renew our shared commitment to safety in the skies as our number one priority.”
FAA Acting Administrator Dan Elwell identified emerging safety and technological challenges faced by the Federal Aviation Administration of the United States, including drones, supersonic aircraft, and commercial space launches. He reaffirmed his confidence in FAA’s employees’ abilities to meet these challenges and further acknowledged employees’ efforts in continuous safety improvements. Elwell said, “I am especially proud that your exceptional skills and accomplishments will lead us well into the next generation.”
The Federal Aviation Administration of the United States is a national authority with powers to regulate all aspects of civil aviation. These include the construction and operation of airports, air traffic management, the certification of personnel and aircraft, and the protection of U.S. assets during the launch or re-entry of commercial space vehicles.
The FAA’s roles include:
Regulating U.S. commercial space transportation
Regulating air navigation facilities’ geometric and flight inspection standards
Encouraging and developing civil aeronautics, including new aviation technology
Issuing, suspending, or revoking pilot certificates
Regulating civil aviation to promote transportation safety in the United States, especially through local offices called Flight Standards District Offices
Developing and operating a system of air traffic control and navigation for both civil and military aircraft
Researching and developing the National Airspace System and civil aeronautics
Developing and carrying out programs to control aircraft noise and other environmental effects of civil aviation