What act established the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was established by the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, which marked a significant shift in how civil aviation was regulated in the United States. Prior to this act, aviation was primarily overseen by the Civil Aeronautics Administration, which operated under the Department of Commerce. The 1958 Act created the FAA as an independent agency within the Department of Transportation, emphasizing safety oversight and the regulation of all aspects of civil aviation. It was a response to the rapid growth of the aviation industry following World War II and aimed to ensure safe and efficient air transportation systems.

The Federal Aviation Act of 1958 was crucial in laying the groundwork for modern aviation regulations, setting standards for flight operations, air traffic control, and aircraft certification. This act also established a framework for regulating the aviation industry, contributing to the safety and reliability of air travel, which continues to evolve through subsequent legislation and amendments.

The other options provided refer to different legislative efforts that followed the establishment of the FAA. While the Airline Deregulation Act focused on removing government control over airline routes and fares, the Federal Aviation Safety Act concentrated on enhancing safety measures post-accidents, and the Aviation Reauthorization Act dealt with funding and reauthorizing FAA programs.