Plain English Meaning
The U.S. government body that runs the rules of flying. It writes the regulations, licenses pilots, certifies aircraft, manages air traffic control, and sets safety standards.
Full Definition
The agency of the United States Department of Transportation responsible for regulating civil aviation, operating the national airspace system, certifying pilots and aircraft, and overseeing aviation safety.
Context Anchor
Pilots encounter FAA rules, approvals, publications, charts, notices, and certificates throughout training and normal flight operations in the United States.
Derivation
Federal indicates it is a national-level U.S. government body. refers to flying. Administration means an organization that manages or oversees something. Together: the national organization that oversees flying.