Which agency is responsible for regulating drone operations in the United States?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the agency responsible for regulating drone operations in the United States. This includes establishing rules and regulations to ensure the safety of national airspace, managing flight operations, and overseeing the certification of pilots and aircraft, including unmanned aerial systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones.

The FAA's responsibilities are crucial in maintaining order and safety in air traffic, which is especially important as drone usage continues to increase in various sectors, including recreational use, delivery services, and agriculture. The agency is tasked with formulating policies that promote safe integration of drones into national airspace while also considering evolving technologies and innovations in the drone industry.

The other agencies listed have different roles: the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) focuses on investigating transportation accidents, including those involving drones, but does not regulate them. The Department of Transportation (DOT) oversees broader transportation policies and systems but delegates the specific regulation of aviation to the FAA. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is the regulatory body in the United Kingdom and not in the U.S., which further delineates the FAA's unique role in American airspace management.