Aviation is governed by a multi-layered regulatory system that operates at both national and international levels. In the United States, the primary regulator is the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which is part of the Department of Transportation; the FAA oversees pilot certification, aircraft manufacturing standards, and the management of U.S. airspace. On a global scale, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a specialized agency of the United Nations, sets the fundamental standards and "Recommended Practices" that ensure safety, security, and environmental protection across borders. Additionally, major regional bodies like the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) play a massive role in certifying aircraft and developing common safety rules for the European market. These organizations work in tandem to ensure that a plane built in one country can safely fly into another. For passengers in 2026, these regulators are the reason why air travel remains the safest mode of long-distance transport, as every nut, bolt, and pilot maneuver is scrutinized under these strict, harmonized global and national guidelines.