Cadet Competition Written Practice Exam

Which organization controls the airway system over the United States and has certain standards that govern airports?

1. FAA (Federal Aviation Administration)

2. NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board)

3. ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization)

4. DOT (Department of Transportation)

The correct answer is: FAA (Federal Aviation Administration)

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the organization responsible for the regulation and oversight of all aspects of civil aviation in the United States, which includes the control of the airway system and setting the standards for airports. The FAA establishes rules and regulations that ensure air traffic safety, efficiency, and regulation of airspace as well as the certification of airports and aviation personnel. This organization plays a crucial role in maintaining and improving the safety of the National Airspace System (NAS) by dictating the operational parameters, including air traffic control procedures and airport design standards, that airports must adhere to. These standards not only enhance safety protocols but also help to ensure that airports operate smoothly in coordination with air traffic. While other organizations like the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigate accidents and safety issues, or the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) sets international aviation standards, the FAA is the definitive authority governing the U.S. airspace system directly. The Department of Transportation (DOT) oversees broader transportation policies, but it does not specifically control the airway system or govern airports in the same manner as the FAA.