Federal Aviation Administration

Agency of the US Department of Transportation that controls air traffic. Its responsibilities include regulating air transportation, aviation safety, requiring airports and airlines to provide anti-hijacking security, and conducting aviation research. The agency is also responsible for investigating aeroplane accidents. In December 2000, the air traffic control system was reorganized, and a new Air Traffic Organization, operating as a performance-based business within the FAA, created.

The FAA was established in 1958 as the Federal Aviation Agency and was renamed upon its assignment to Transportation in 1967. It is directed by an administrator appointed directly by the president.

The FAA's first new air-traffic control system since the 1960s became operational in May 2000.