Yes, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the primary regulatory body responsible for the oversight and enforcement of civil aviation safety in the United States. In 2026, the FAA's enforcement role is more robust than ever, following the implementation of the FAA SMS Compliance Review Act. The agency enforces a vast array of Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) that cover everything from aircraft maintenance and pilot certification to drone operations and space launches. When a violation is identified—whether through a ramp inspection, a self-disclosure by an airline, or a whistleblower report—the FAA has the authority to issue civil penalties (fines), suspend or revoke pilot and mechanic certificates, and even ground entire fleets of aircraft if a systemic safety risk is found. For example, in early 2026, the FAA oversaw the investigation into a SpaceX Starlink mishap before authorizing a return to flight. The agency operates on a "compliance-first" philosophy but shifts to strict legal enforcement for intentional or reckless non-compliance, ensuring that the U.S. national airspace remains the safest in the world for the flying public.