Final answer:
The FAA regulates civil aviation, ensuring safe flight paths and separation between aircraft, which allows many planes to fly without collisions. Post-deregulation, the industry became more efficient, with increased competition leading to lower fares and more passengers. The FAA balances this efficiency with safety and security oversight.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is primarily responsible for the regulation and oversight of civil aviation within the U.S. The FAA's role encompasses a wide range of functions, including air traffic control, safety regulations, and enforcing minimum safe flight distances. To prevent collisions and ensure smooth air traffic flow, each commercial aircraft must maintain a significant separation from others: a distance of five miles horizontally at the same altitude, and a vertical buffer of 2,000 feet above or below another aircraft, or 1,000 feet if flying below 29,000 feet. This careful regulation enables the safe and efficient movement of a vast number of planes through busy skies.
In the years following the deregulation of the airline industry, competition increased, leading to reduced airfares and more efficient operations such as the hub-and-spoke system. This transformation has resulted in the doubling of air passengers and airline jobs. However, mergers and the need for increased safety have also come into play, demonstrating the FAA's role in balancing efficiency with the strict oversight necessary for safety. Additionally, the FAA, along with other federal entities, contributes to the nation's counterterrorism efforts by ensuring the security of the aviation sector.