The Federal Aviation Administration

- From Wikipedia.

The Air Commerce Act of May 20, 1926, is the cornerstone of the federal government's regulation of civil aviation. This landmark legislation was passed at the urging of the aviation industry, whose leaders believed the airplane could not reach its full commercial potential without federal action to improve and maintain safety standards. The Act charged the Secretary of Commerce with fostering air commerce, issuing and enforcing air traffic rules, licensing pilots, certifying aircraft, establishing airways, and operating and maintaining aids to air navigation. The newly created Aeronautics Branch, operating under the Department of Commerce assumed primary responsibility for aviation oversight.

In fulfilling its civil aviation responsibilities, the U.S. Department of Commerce initially concentrated on such functions as safety regulations and the certification of pilots and aircraft. It took over the building and operation of the nation's system of lighted airways, a task initiated by the Post Office Department. The Department of Commerce improved aeronautical radio communications—before the founding of the Federal Communications Commission in 1934, which handles most such matters today—and introduced radio beacons as an effective aid to air navigation.

Relevant Legislation: 

- Air Commerce Act of 1926
- Civil Aeronautics Act of 1938
- Federal Aviation Act  of 1958
- Airline Deregulation Act of 1978

Relevant Executive Agencies: 

- Post Office Department.
- U.S. Department of Commerce.
- Civil Aeronautics Board
- U.S. Department of Transportation
- Bureau of Air Commerce
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- National Transportation Safety Board