Definition
The Federal Aviation Administration is the United States government agency, within the Department of Transportation, responsible for regulating and overseeing all aspects of civil aviation in the U.S. Its responsibilities include certifying pilots, mechanics, and aircraft; setting and enforcing safety regulations (the Federal Aviation Regulations); operating the air traffic control system; managing the National Airspace System; and publishing the handbooks and advisory materials pilots train from.
Plain English
The FAA is the U.S. government body that makes the rules for flying, issues pilot licenses, runs air traffic control, and decides how the country's airspace is used.
Context Anchor
Pilots encounter the FAA in handbooks, regulations, pilot certificates, aircraft records, air traffic procedures, and safety guidance.
Derivation
Federal means belonging to the U.S. national government. Aviation comes from the Latin avis, meaning bird, and refers to the operation of aircraft. Administration here means a governing body that administers (manages and enforces) rules. Together: the national body that manages flying.
Why Pilots Care
Almost every rule a pilot must follow -- from medical requirements to airspace limits to maintenance standards -- comes from the FAA. The pilot certificate itself is issued by the FAA, and flying outside its rules can result in losing it.
Intuition Check
The FAA is not a flight school, airline, or pilot group. It is the government authority that regulates civilian aviation in the United States.
Example Sentence 1
Before flying solo, a student pilot must hold a valid medical certificate issued by the FAA.
Example Sentence 2
Before any flight, the pilot ensures the aircraft meets all current FAA airworthiness requirements.