The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the element of the U.S. government with primary responsibility for the safety of civil aviation...The FAA’s major functions include: *regulating civil aviation to promote safety and fulfill the requirements of national defense; *encouraging and developing civil aeronautics, including new aviation technology; *developing and operating a common system of air traffic control and navigation for both civil and military aircraft; *research and development with respect to the National Airspace System and civil aeronautics; *developing and implementing programs to control aircraft noise and other environmental effects of civil aviation; and *regulating U.S. commercial space transportation.