Hundreds of FAA staff fired by Trump administration, union says
The firings are part of a cost-cutting drive by the Trump administration, that aims to drastically cut the federal workforce.
Read more at BBC News
Trump begins firings of FAA staff just weeks after fatal DC plane crash
Federal officials have raised concerns about an understaffed air traffic control system for years, especially after a series of close calls between planes ...
Read more at NBC4 Washington
FAA - 10 things to know with detail
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the national aviation authority of the United States, responsible for regulating and overseeing all aspects of civil aviation in the country.
The FAA was established in 1958 as a result of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, which replaced the Civil Aeronautics Administration.
The FAA is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and is led by the Administrator, who is appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the Senate.
The FAA's primary mission is to ensure the safety and efficiency of the national airspace system, which includes air traffic control, airport operations, and aircraft certification.
The FAA is also responsible for regulating pilot and air traffic controller certification, as well as overseeing the design, construction, and maintenance of airports and air navigation facilities.
In addition to safety oversight, the FAA also promotes environmental sustainability in aviation by developing and implementing programs to reduce aircraft emissions and noise pollution.
The FAA works closely with other government agencies, such as the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Department of Homeland Security, to investigate accidents and incidents involving civil aircraft.
The FAA also collaborates with international aviation authorities to develop and harmonize global aviation standards and regulations through organizations like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The FAA is funded primarily through aviation user fees and taxes, such as the ticket tax, fuel tax, and aircraft registration fees, as well as through Congressional appropriations.
The FAA employs thousands of aviation professionals, including air traffic controllers, engineers, inspectors, and analysts, who work together to ensure the safety and efficiency of the U.S. airspace system.