Which law gives the FAA authority over civil aviation safety?

The Federal Aviation Act is the correct answer because it established the framework for the regulation of civil aviation in the United States, giving the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) the authority to oversee and ensure aviation safety. This act, enacted in 1958, organized the federal government's approach to aviation management and delegated specific responsibilities to the FAA, including the regulation of air traffic, aircraft operations, and pilot licensing. It serves as a foundation for subsequent regulations and safety protocols that the FAA enforces, making it central to the agency's mission of protecting public safety in civil aviation.

The other laws mentioned play significant roles in aviation history but do not directly confer the same broad regulatory authority over civil aviation safety as the Federal Aviation Act. The Air Commerce Act, for instance, was an earlier law focused more on promoting civil aviation, while the Air Traffic Control Act centered specifically on managing air traffic control processes. The Aviation Safety Act deals with safety measures but does not encompass the overall regulatory framework established by the Federal Aviation Act.