Many FAA policies aim to ensure the airworthiness of aircraft. The FAA considers pilots ultimately responsible for preparing an aircraft for flight. Pilots must immediately end a flight if the aircraft incurs structural damage that prevents it from safely continuing. These regulations apply to kites and unmanned rockets as well as aircraft.
FAA policy states that pilots constitute the ultimate authority in an aircraft's operation. In an emergency, pilots can depart from standard procedure if necessary, though they must report any departure to an FAA administrator upon request. The FAA requires that multiple pilots assist on some flights. Pilots cannot endanger life or property by piloting aircraft recklessly or carelessly. Pilots and other aircraft crew members cannot work aboard the aircraft within eight hours of consuming alcohol or partake of other substances that might impair their ability to operate the aircraft.
A variety of FAA policies govern flight operations. The FAA mandates the use of safety belts and child restraint systems in some circumstances. It regulates the speed of aircraft and their altitude. It restricts flights in disaster regions and even during high barometric pressure conditions. The FAA also regulates air traffic near a stadium sporting events to provide space for aeronautics aircraft, such as the Blue Angels. Additionally, the FAA regulates aircraft noise.
Many FAA policies concern international travel. Foreign aircraft must comply with the Convention on International Civil Aviation. American aircraft must follow applicable policies even when abroad. The FAA's regulations explicitly require that pilots file a flight plan when crossing the border between the United States and Mexico. The FAA does not allow civil aircraft to travel from the United States to Cuba unless it meets with rigorous reporting rules, or unless the aircraft belongs to a scheduled air carrier authorized by an FAA administrator.
