Federal Aviation Administration

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) traces its origins back to the early 1920s, in particular the Air Commerce Act of 1926. Initially established as the Aeronautics Branch in the Department of Commerce, the branch was given the authority to issue certificates for pilots and aircraft, develop air navigation facilities, promote flying safety, and issue flight information. As aviation flourished, lighted navigable airways were instituted, along with improvement to radio communications, and the introduction of radio beacons as an additional aid to navigation. In 1934, the Aeronautics Branch was renamed the Bureau of Air Commerce and in 1938, the Civil Aeronautics Act transferred the aviation responsibilities to a new agency, the Civil Aeronautics Authority (CAA). In 1940, the powers vested in the CAA were assigned to ...