Which organization is primarily responsible for regulating civilian aviation safety in the United States?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is primarily responsible for regulating civilian aviation safety in the United States. This organization oversees all aspects of American civil aviation, including the establishment of regulations that govern flight operations, pilot certification, aircraft maintenance, and airport safety standards. The FAA's mission is to ensure the safety of civil aviation and promote air traffic safety and efficiency.

The FAA is tasked with enforcing compliance with aviation regulations, managing the safety of commercial air travel, and working on research initiatives to improve air traffic management systems. Through its regulatory powers, the FAA plays a critical role in maintaining high safety standards and responding to emerging issues in aviation safety.

Other organizations listed, such as NASA and the Department of Transportation, have roles in aviation, but their focus is not solely on regulating civilian aviation safety. NASA’s work primarily involves aeronautics research and development, while the Department of Transportation oversees transportation as a whole, including highways and railways, in addition to aviation. The Department of Defense primarily deals with military aviation and is concerned with matters related to national security and defense rather than civilian aviation regulation.