In the United States, the primary federal agency governing airlines and civil aviation is the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which operates under the Department of Transportation (DOT). Established by the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, the FAA's mission is to ensure the safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System. This includes regulating aircraft manufacturing, issuing Airworthiness Directives, certifying pilots, and managing all air traffic control operations for both civil and military flights. While the FAA handles safety and technical regulations, the DOT itself handles the "economic" side of the industry, such as passenger rights, airline competition, and civil penalties for deceptive practices. Additionally, the TSA (Transportation Security Administration), under the Department of Homeland Security, is responsible for the physical security of passengers and airports. Together, these agencies ensure that flying remains one of the most regulated and safest modes of travel in 2026.