(September 2023)
Aviation operations are subject to extensive regulatory
oversight that depends upon an operator’s given activities. Typically, several
federal agencies influence every aviation operation. Depending upon a given
operator’s activities, regulatory oversight may involve any of the following
agencies:
Formerly a standalone agency which is currently a department
of Homeland Security, it affects aviation operators via its duty to protect the
U.S. from the entry of foreign (agricultural) pests and diseases. It inspects
plants and pets that passengers attempt to bring into the U.S.
Aptly named, it oversees complaints and issues involving consumers
of airline passenger services.
The main impact of this, still relatively new, major agency
is via its anti-terrorism and protection of U.S. borders and transportation
security.
DOT’s impact on aviation operations is due to its oversight
over all modes of transportation in the U.S. and the FAA is a department of
DOT. Most work is performed by its Office of Aviation Analysis.
This agency affects aviation operations due to its oversight
of the handling, storage and use of fuels and chemicals. Besides fueling
activity, EPA regulations affect aircraft maintenance, cleaning, repair,
painting, etc.
The FAA’s role is to make sure that air transportation in
the U.S. is safe. It is the chief regulator of the nation’s aircraft operation
and maintenance activities. It employs the nation’s air traffic controllers and
it supervises the air traffic control system as well as oversees federal grants
for national airport development.
The IRS affects aviation operations due to its oversight of
excise taxes on fuel sales. It also requires all air charter services to
collect and turn in passenger and cargo taxes.
This board controls labor relations with regard to
commercial airlines via the Railway Labor Act.
This critical agency investigates all civil aviation
accidents in the United States. It also investigates major accidents involving
other modes of transportation, especially those that include the escape of
hazardous materials. It also maintains an accident database and, due to its
investigation activity, it makes thousands of safety and rule recommendations
to other regulatory agencies which are, largely, adopted.
OSHA has a major impact on aviation operations due to its main
task of overseeing worker safety. It performs its duties via inspections and
regulations. Worker complaints are handled by this agency and it has the
authority to fine and sue employers.
The SBA’s impact is via its efforts in assisting the
creation and operations of small business and that includes smaller aviation
operations.
Individual states do have limited authority with regard to
oversight/protection of its airspace and operational safety regarding airport
site locations and safety. However, state actions and regulations are largely
pre-empted by federal regulations.
The TSA was created in response to the infamous U.S. terrorist
attacks of 9/11.This department creates, implements, and maintains security
measures that protect passengers and cargo that are moved via air and surface
transportation. Major TSA responsibilities are airport passenger and baggage
screening and no-fly zone determinations.
This agency once went by the name of the Immigration and Naturalization
Service. Its impact on aviation operation is due to its oversight of non-citizens
and non-residents of the U.S.
This agency used to be named the U.S. Customs Service. It is
currently operated under the Department of Homeland Security. It affects
aviation operations because it regulates all businesses that bring cargo or
people into the United States. It is also responsible for handling all fees and
tariffs on imported goods.