Roberta Aguirre
Several government groups work at airports to ensure safety and security. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for regulating civil aviation, including airport safety, inspection, and operation. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was created after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks to oversee security at airports, with a focus on intelligence-driven, risk-based approaches. The TSA employs transportation security officers, inspectors, and specialists to screen passengers and baggage for prohibited items and potential threats. Additionally, the Civil Aeronautics Authority (CAA) and the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) play roles in ATC, certification, safety enforcement, and regulation. These agencies work together to maintain the safety and security of the traveling public, often in collaboration with law enforcement and other partners.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of airport ownership | City-owned, county-owned, part of port authorities, or independent government agencies |
| Airport funding | Revenue streams and funding sources that don't compete with city or county projects |
| Airport projects | Maintenance, airfield work, and infrastructure improvements |
| Airport regulations | Must meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations |
| FAA responsibilities | Defining noise pollution contours, investigating noise mitigation, satellite technology, safety oversight, air navigation services, aeronautical certification, airport planning and development, and protection of U.S. assets during commercial space vehicle launch or reentry |
| FAA grants | Dedicated to airport improvement projects, with set amounts allocated annually and competitive funding based on areas of need |
| Airport infrastructure | Outdated aviation infrastructure that struggles to keep pace with passenger traffic growth |
| Airport goals | Providing a safe, valuable mode of transportation for people and cargo, fostering competition, and offering price and service options |
| Security | Transportation Security Administration (TSA) with transportation security officers, inspectors, and specialists; Federal Communications Commission regulations on mobile phone use during flights; safety and security partners |
| Safety | Investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); safety recommendations by NTSB; safety education and outreach by FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) |
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What You'll Learn
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is a governmental body that works at airports. The FAA's mission is to provide the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world.
The FAA was formed in 1958 with the passing of the Federal Aviation Act. This legislation transferred the functions of the Civil Aeronautics Authority (CAA) to a new independent body, the Federal Aviation Agency. The Act also gave the FAA sole responsibility for a joint civil-military system of air navigation and air traffic control.
The FAA has a number of different offices and centers that carry out specific functions. The Airports (ARP) office plans and develops the national airport system and oversees standards for airport safety, inspection, design, construction, and operation. The FAA also awards $3.5 billion in grants annually for airport planning and development. The Office of Commercial Space Transportation (AST) ensures the protection of U.S. assets during the launch or reentry of commercial space vehicles. The Security and Hazardous Materials Safety (ASH) office is responsible for reducing the risk of terrorism and other crimes, as well as investigations, materials safety, infrastructure protection, and personnel security.
In addition to these offices, the FAA also operates the William J. Hughes Technical Center near Atlantic City, New Jersey, for support and research, and the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, for training. The FAA has nine regional administrative offices and is headquartered in Washington, D.C.
The FAA encourages volunteerism in the promotion of aviation safety and operates a Safety Team, or FAASTeam, that works with volunteers at several levels to promote safety education and outreach nationwide. The FAA also offers a WINGS Program, which provides a lifetime series of grouped proficiency activities at three levels (Basic, Advanced, and Master) for pilots who have undergone ground and flight training.
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Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is a government agency that works to protect the nation's transportation systems, including airports. The TSA is committed to ensuring the freedom of movement for people and commerce while maintaining security. To achieve this, the TSA has implemented various measures and regulations to facilitate the screening process and enhance travel experiences at airports.
One of the key initiatives by the TSA is the promotion of proper packing practices among travellers. The TSA provides guidelines and assistance to help individuals understand what items are permitted in carry-on and checked baggage. This proactive approach streamlines the security screening process, reducing potential delays and inconveniences.
The TSA also places significant emphasis on secure identification. The agency no longer accepts state-issued identifications that are not REAL ID-compliant at security checkpoints. This measure ensures that travellers' identities are verified accurately, enhancing overall security. Additionally, the TSA's Flight Training Security Program (FTSP) includes a comprehensive application process with fingerprint capture services, further strengthening security protocols.
Moreover, the TSA extends its security efforts beyond airports. The Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program focuses on workers who access secure areas within the nation's maritime facilities and vessels. This program includes a Security Threat Assessment (STA) to ensure the safety of critical infrastructure and protect against potential threats.
The TSA is dedicated to providing travellers with assistance and reliable information. They offer various methods of communication, such as texting or connecting through social media platforms, to address travellers' queries and concerns promptly. By doing so, the TSA ensures that individuals have access to accurate and timely information, contributing to a seamless travel experience while maintaining the highest security standards.
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Civil Aeronautics Authority (CAA)
The Civil Aeronautics Authority (CAA) is a government group that operates in the aviation sector. The CAA was established in 1972 under the Civil Aviation Act of 1971, following the recommendations of a government committee chaired by Sir Ronald Edwards. The CAA has been a public corporation of the Department for Transport since its inception.
In the UK, the CAA is responsible for aviation security and regulation. This includes rule-making and compliance to ensure the highest standards of security across the civil aviation sector. The CAA also manages national security vetting for the industry. Before privatisation in 1996, the CAA was responsible for the calibration of navigation and approach aids. The CAA has operated 49 aircraft of primarily British types, including de Havilland Tiger Moths and Hawker Siddeley HS 748s.
In some countries, the CAA may also build and operate airports, including non-airside operations such as passenger terminals. For example, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal and the Philippines are responsible for airport operations. In contrast, other countries may delegate this responsibility to private companies or local government authorities. It is important to note that CAAs do not regulate military aviation, which typically has a separate personnel licensing system.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) refers to CAAs as National Airworthiness Authorities (NAA) or National Aviation Authorities (also NAA). The establishment of the ICAO by the United Nations in 1947 aimed to address the independent development of CAAs, which resulted in differing regulations and challenges for aircraft manufacturers and international airline travel. The Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) was founded in 1970 to facilitate cooperation between European CAAs and establish minimum standards.
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Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB)
The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) was an independent federal agency of the United States government, formed in 1940 from a split of the Civil Aeronautics Authority (CAA) and abolished in 1985. The CAB regulated aviation services, including scheduled passenger airline services, and conducted air accident investigations until the establishment of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in 1967. The CAB was headquartered in Washington, D.C. and its authority to regulate airlines was established by the Civil Aeronautics Act of 1938.
The Civil Aeronautics Act of 1938 superseded the Watres Act, which had regulated commercial aviation since the mid-1920s. The Act created a new agency, the Civil Aeronautics Authority, which was split into two agencies in 1940: the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) and the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB). The CAA was responsible for ATC, airman and aircraft certification, safety enforcement, and airway development, while the CAB took on safety regulation, accident investigation, and economic regulation of the airlines.
The CAB's role in regulating airlines included setting rules, subject to CAA approval, governing the notification and reporting of accidents involving aircraft. They investigated these accidents and reported the results to the CAA. The CAB also investigated complaints and conducted studies at the CAA's request. The CAB had the authority to regulate airline fares and determine the routes served by air carriers. Airlines needed CAB approval for competitive decisions on the choice of route or fare charged on a particular route.
The CAB also had a role in certifying carriers. The original CAB scheduled carriers were known as trunkline carriers, with certificates dating back to 1938. After World War II, the CAB certified a second set of scheduled carriers, the local service carriers, which generally served smaller routes than trunklines. Over time, the CAB allowed local service carriers to compete on some routes with trunklines, and some local service carriers became sizeable airlines. In 1952, the CAB created a blanket exemption for airlines flying "small" aircraft in scheduled service, which led to the birth of the commuter airline business.
The CAB was a focus of the early deregulation movement, and its dissolution was a significant event in that movement. President Gerald Ford first proposed abolishing the CAB in 1975, and the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978 specified that the CAB would eventually be disestablished. The CAB was officially abolished in 1985, with its functions transferred to successor agencies including the Department of Justice, the U.S. Postal Service, and the Department of Transportation.
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FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam)
The FAA Safety Team, or FAASTeam, is a division of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that works to improve aviation safety. The FAASTeam develops and implements safety interventions and initiatives for General Aviation (GA) and other areas such as NextGen, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), and the Compliance Program. The team is based on a safety risk management approach, utilising system safety principles, risk prioritisation, and new technology concepts.
FAASTeam's mission is to "Lower the Nation's aviation accident rate by conveying safety principles and practices through training, outreach, and education; while establishing partnerships and encouraging the continual growth of a positive safety culture within the aviation community." To achieve this, the team develops standardised safety interventions and provides national safety promotion initiatives, policies, and guidance.
The FAASTeam also works closely with FAASTeam Program Managers (FPMs) to support the FAASTeam National Performance Plan (NPP). FPMs are utilised by Flight Standards District Offices (FSDO) to accomplish the NPP and achieve the team's safety program goals. Additionally, the FAASTeam manages and supports the Safety Liaison Team (SLT) Leads and field personnel, ensuring effective collaboration and coordination.
FAASTeam's initiatives include programs like the WINGS - Pilot Proficiency Program and the AMT Awards Program. These programs emphasise continuous learning, skill enhancement, and the adoption of technological advancements to maintain high standards of safety and efficiency in the aviation industry. The team also encourages volunteerism in aviation safety, working with volunteers at various levels to promote safety education and outreach nationwide.
Overall, the FAASTeam plays a crucial role in enhancing aviation safety by developing and implementing safety interventions, fostering a positive safety culture, and promoting education and training within the aviation community. Their efforts contribute to reducing accidents and incidents, including runway surface incidents, and improving overall aviation safety performance.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several government groups that work at airports in the US. These include:
- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- The Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
- Airports Council International - North America (ACI-NA)
- The Civil Aeronautics Authority (CAA)
- The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB)
The FAA is an independent agency that plans and develops the national airport system. It also oversees standards for airport safety, inspection, design, construction, and operation.
The TSA is a security agency that works at airports to oversee security and protect passengers. It was created after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, which revealed weaknesses in existing airport security procedures.
The TSA's scope includes commercial and general aviation, mass transit systems, freight and passenger rail, highways, pipelines, and ports. TSA employees are trained to spot prohibited items and, on average, discover nine firearms per day at security checkpoints.
ACI-NA is an organization that advocates policies and provides services to strengthen commercial airports' ability to serve their passengers, customers, and communities. They work to ensure that legislation and regulations help airports operate more safely and efficiently.
