Which authority has the final say in the enforcement of aviation regulations in the U.S.?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the authority that has the final say in the enforcement of aviation regulations in the U.S. The FAA is responsible for regulating all aspects of civil aviation in the country, including the safety of flight operations, the certification of aircraft, pilot licensing, and the management of air traffic. Its broad mandate includes enforcing compliance with aviation laws and regulations, which establishes its central role in oversight and enforcement within the aviation industry.

The NTSB, while essential for investigating aviation accidents and incidents to improve safety, does not have enforcement authority over aviation regulations. Its focus lies primarily on the investigative process and making safety recommendations rather than on regulatory enforcement.

The TSA plays a critical role in ensuring security in the aviation sector, particularly regarding passenger screening and airport security measures. However, it does not have the authority to enforce general aviation regulations or safety standards, which is the primary responsibility of the FAA.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) oversees transportation policy and has a broad scope, but it does not regulate aviation safety directly. The DOT works in conjunction with the FAA but does not have the authoritative enforcement power that the FAA holds regarding aviation regulations. Therefore, the FAA's role is distinctly set as the leading authority responsible for the enforcement of aviation