Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Countless flights arrive and depart from the United States daily to nearly anywhere in the world. The high traffic and the air travel's importance to commerce makes it a prime target for threats. However, air travel remains the safest mode of transport. There are many regulations in place responsible for the security and safety of the traveling public. The complex management of air travel is shared by various agencies from different government departments.
The Federal Aviation Administration, or FAA, is a government agency under the Department of Transportation. FAA plays the biggest role in implementing aviation regulations. FAA's primary duties include regulating commercial air space, mandating flight regulations standards, inspection of airplanes and aviation facilities. In addition, FAA also develops new aviation technology, and issues, suspends and revokes pilot certificates. The agency also delegates various jobs to its internal organizations. For example, the Air Traffic Organization or ATO, oversees air traffic safety and efficiency for commercial, private and military aviation.
The National Transportation Safety Board, or NTSB, is an independent government agency responsible for investigating domestic transportation accidents. In terms of air travel, NTSB investigates and assesses air travel accidents and incidents. Under certain circumstances, NTSB has the authority to investigate accidents and incidents on American-registered and owned aircrafts in another country. The agency sometimes assist in military related air accidents when called upon. NTSB also issues safety alerts, public forums and instruction on how to respond to transportation accidents including aviation related accidents.
The Transportation Security Administration, or TSA, is an agency of the Department of Homeland Security. It was created as part of the Aviation and Transportation Security Act enacted in the immediate aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks. TSA's main duty is to provide security and safety to the traveling public. TSA is most associated with airport security checks. The agency has the jurisdiction in inspect luggage, perform body scans, as well as regulate or confiscate items that can pose danger in air-crafts and other transportation. It is also responsible for many layers of security that includes gathering intelligence and information against possible attacks, checking flight manifests, training flight crews against perpetrators and providing federal air marshals. Apart from aviation security, TSA also shares responsibility in keeping freight system and ports safe.
The International Civil Aviation Organization, or ICAO, is an agency of the United Nations or UN. ICAO adopts procedures and regulation for international flights. ICAO facilitates flight information, prevention of interference, travel information and travel advisories between states. Although the ICAO has no jurisdiction in the United States, the agency aides in the international flight's transition to a host country.In doing this, the security and safety of travelers is monitored domestically and internationally. Membership to ICAO is extended to UN members and a few non-member states.