(September 2020)
Aviation operations are subject to a high level of 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.
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.
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.