Federal Aviation Administration
FAA · Washington, D.C., United States · Last updated: April 2026
Overview
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the national aviation authority of the United States, operating under the Department of Transportation. The FAA regulates all aspects of civil aviation in the US, including airspace management, air traffic control, pilot and aircraft certification, and safety standards. It manages the largest and most complex airspace system in the world.
The FAA employs over 45,000 people, including approximately 14,000 air traffic controllers. It oversees more than 19,000 airports and manages airspace handling over 45,000 flights daily. The Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), codified in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, form the regulatory framework for US civil aviation. FAR Part 91 governs general operating and flight rules applicable to all civil aircraft.
Key Functions
The FAA issues SFARs to prohibit or restrict US civil aviation operations in specific foreign airspaces. Active SFARs cover Iran, North Korea, parts of Iraq, Libya, and other conflict zones.
The FAA issues NOTAMs for international airspace risks, including conflict zones, GPS interference areas, and volcanic ash. US operators are required to check NOTAMs before flight.
The FAA operates the US ATC system, managing en-route, terminal, and tower services across the National Airspace System (NAS).
The International Aviation Safety Assessment program evaluates foreign civil aviation authorities against ICAO standards. Category 1 means compliant; Category 2 means non-compliant, restricting that country's carriers from expanding US service.
Role in Airspace Risk
The FAA is the primary regulatory body determining where US-registered aircraft and US operators can fly internationally. Through SFARs and NOTAMs, the FAA establishes legally binding prohibitions on operations in specific foreign airspaces deemed too dangerous for civil aviation. These decisions carry significant weight globally, as many non-US operators use FAA guidance as a reference point.
Current standing SFAR prohibitions cover the Tehran FIR (Iran), Pyongyang FIR (North Korea), portions of the Baghdad FIR (Iraq), Tripoli FIR (Libya), Simferopol FIR (Crimea), and Dnipropetrovsk FIR (eastern Ukraine). Additional NOTAMs and advisories address GPS interference zones, conflict areas, and areas of heightened security concern.
The FAA coordinates with the intelligence community and the State Department on risk assessments for foreign airspace. The Safe Skies Act and subsequent legislation have strengthened the FAA's mandate to assess and communicate conflict zone risks. The agency also participates in ICAO's Conflict Zone Information Repository (CZIR).
Current Priorities
Expanding portfolio of airspace prohibitions and advisories as global conflict zones increase. Coordination with EASA on harmonized risk assessments.
Addressing GPS spoofing and jamming through NOTAMs, operator guidance, and work with manufacturers on alternative navigation capabilities.
NextGen program continues transforming US airspace management with satellite-based navigation, data communications, and enhanced surveillance.
Related
This page provides publicly available information about aviation regulators. Always consult the official organization for operational guidance.