Federal Aviation Administration facts for kids

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is a very important part of the United States government. It helps make sure that all airplanes flying in the U.S. are safe. The FAA looks after everything about flying, from planes to pilots and airports.

This group was started in 1958 and was first called the "Federal Aviation Agency." Later, in 1967, it became part of the United States Department of Transportation and changed its name to the FAA. The FAA is one of the most powerful aviation groups in the world.

What the FAA Does

The FAA's main job is to keep the skies safe for everyone. They do this in many ways:

• They set rules for how airplanes are built and maintained.
• They check and approve new aircraft designs.
• They train and license pilots, air traffic controllers, and mechanics.
• They make sure airports are safe and well-run.
• They manage air traffic, guiding planes safely through the sky.

Air Traffic Control

One of the biggest jobs of the FAA is managing air traffic. Air traffic controllers, who work for the FAA, guide planes. They tell pilots when to take off, land, and where to fly. This helps prevent planes from getting too close to each other.

The FAA controls air traffic not just over the U.S., but also over some international waters. This is because other countries have asked the U.S. to help manage their airspace.

Keeping Aviation Safe

The FAA works hard to prevent accidents. They investigate any plane crashes or serious incidents to learn what went wrong. This helps them make new rules to stop similar problems from happening again. They also make sure that pilots and airlines follow all the safety rules.

History of the FAA

Before the FAA, there were other groups that tried to manage air travel. But as more and more planes flew, a stronger organization was needed.

The Federal Aviation Act of 1958 created the FAA. This law gave the agency the power to make and enforce rules for all civilian flights. This was a big step in making air travel much safer for everyone.

Images for kids

• 

  The FAA helps control air traffic over the U.S. and some international areas. This map shows where the U.S. provides these services.

• 

  FAA Headquarters building in Washington, D.C..

• 

  A radar used by the FAA to track airplanes.

See also

In Spanish: Administración Federal de Aviación para niños