What does the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulate?

The correct answer is that the FAA regulates all aspects of civil aviation. This includes a wide range of responsibilities such as overseeing the safety and efficiency of civil aviation operations, establishing regulations for the operation of commercial and private aircraft, managing air traffic control systems, and ensuring compliance with safety standards.

The FAA’s jurisdiction encompasses not only the regulation of commercial operators but also small drone operations, personal flying, and general aviation. By having comprehensive authority over civil aviation, the FAA is able to enforce regulations that aim to protect the safety of both the flying public and those on the ground.

In contrast, the regulation of only commercial aviation would limit the FAA's reach and responsibility, neglecting important sectors such as private aviation and the growing industry of unmanned aircraft systems. Similarly, military aviation operates under different regulations and oversight bodies since it is governed by the Department of Defense. Additionally, while the FAA engages in international aviation through collaboration and compliance with international regulations, it does not solely regulate international aviation laws, which are often managed by other entities such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).