The age of aviation has run through nearly half of our nation’s history. Since the Wright brothers took flight, 22 U.S. presidents, starting with Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., have witnessed and helped propel aviation forward.

The FAA has a clear message for people considering a charter flight to the Super Bowl or any other venue: Use good judgment and avoid signing on with an illegal or uncertificated operation that exposes you to unwanted safety risks and potential liability.

George Washington and four future presidents witnessed our nation’s first aviation milestone in Philadelphia, 1793, when Jean-Pierre Blanchard, the French aeronaut and pioneer of gas balloon flight, took to the air in a hydrogen-filled balloon from the interior yard of the Walnut Street Prison.

How Archie League Helped Pioneer Air Traffic Control

His office was a beach chair. His ‘control tower’ a wheelbarrow housing two rolled-up flags. The checkered flag signaled GO. The red flag commanded HOLD. With those tools to communicate with pilots Archie William League became America’s first air traffic controller at the St. Louis airfield. A lunch pail, drinking water, notepad and umbrella helped him get through the day. His hire date was January 1, 1929.

Best Practices for Winter Weather Readiness

Pilots face new challenges as temperatures drop and precipitation falls. Here are the FAA’s top tips for pilots operating in winter weather.

How the Wright Brothers Transformed Our World

How the FAA Helps Enhance Hot-Air Balloon Safety at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta and Nationwide

Airport Certification Safety Inspectors have an airport-sized role of responsibility.

The important role of space safety inspectors