abbreviation for Federal Aviation Administration: a US government organization that makes the rules relating to planes and airports in the US and makes sure that these rules are obeyed.

FAA stands for the Federal Aviation Administration, which is the national aviation authority of the United States. Operating under the Department of Transportation, the FAA is responsible for the regulation and oversight of all civil aviation within the U.S. and its surrounding international waters. Its primary mission is to ensure the safety of the National Airspace System. This includes certifying pilots and aircraft, managing air traffic control, and developing safety standards for airports and space transportation. In 2026, the FAA is also heavily involved in the regulation of unmanned aircraft systems (drones) and the integration of commercial space flight into traditional airspace. Essentially, the FAA is the "referee" of the sky, creating and enforcing the rules that keep millions of passengers and pilots safe every day. Whether it's a minor flight delay or a major safety investigation, the FAA is the ultimate authority in American skies.