What regulatory body is primarily concerned with the safety standards for civil aviation activities?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the regulatory body primarily responsible for establishing and enforcing safety standards for civil aviation activities in the United States. The FAA's mission includes ensuring the safety of civil aviation by regulating and overseeing all aspects of aviation, including the certification of aircraft, the licensing of pilots, and the enforcement of safety regulations. This agency develops regulations that govern both commercial and general aviation, making it a key player in maintaining high safety standards across the industry.

In contrast, while air traffic control (ATC) plays a vital role in managing the flow of air traffic and ensuring the safe operation of aircraft during flight, it does not set safety regulations. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is an independent federal agency that investigates aviation accidents and incidents; however, it does not set safety standards. The Aviation Safety Commission, while potentially relevant in other contexts, is not a recognized regulatory body in the same capacity as the FAA and doesn't hold the authority to enforce safety standards for civil aviation.