Covering the Ground — and Air — at the FAA

Learn how the FAA’s nine geographic regions help manage a safe airspace for all.

On any given day, the FAA could be working with the National Park Service and air tour operators flying tourists over Bryce Canyon National Park, coordinating changes to the complex flight patterns into and out of New York City, or responding to Congressional inquiries about construction and modernization projects at Chicago O’Hare International Airport.

Learn more about each region.

The FAA is also involved with response and recovery during significant weather events, such as hurricanes. When hurricanes Maria and Irma devastated Puerto Rico in 2017, the FAA’s emergency planners were among the first to assess the situation and work with transportation and industry partners to prioritize response and recovery, as well as to begin coordinating efforts to rebuild critical airport infrastructure.

From recreational flying to the most advanced commercial space operations, the FAA relies on a broad range of skilled professionals to keep passengers and the general public safe, while also focusing on continuously adding efficiencies to the National Airspace System (NAS). The FAA’s Office of National Engagement and Regional Administration is organized to meet the many diverse needs of the flying public and the aviation industry.

The FAA divides the U.S. into nine regions in order to most effectively manage the resources needed to oversee 16.4 million flights each year.

Functional Leadership

Within each of the nine geographic areas, regional administrators lead organizational efforts to conduct outreach initiatives, support emergency transportation preparedness and response, and provide daily oversight and implementation of certain FAA regional programs and initiatives.

The regional offices partner with federal, state, and local governments and others to promote aviation excellence, safety, efficiency, and education across the U.S.

“Coordinating and modernizing the nation’s aerospace system requires collaboration with a variety of strategic partners that is specifically directed at keeping passengers and the general public safe, while also maximizing efficiencies and the use of valuable resources,” said Sean Torpey, executive director of the Office of National Engagement and Regional Administration.

At a 2019 FAA Aviation Career Education (ACE) Academy, a student explores a grounded rotorcraft. Aviation science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) outreach services for students are part of the vital support infrastructure needed to maintain strong, safe, and efficient national and international aerospace systems and are directly involved in the accomplishment of the FAA Strategic Plan goals, including safety, infrastructure investment, innovation, and accountability.

FAA Building Services

Each of the nine regional offices operates out of a headquarters building that is uniquely designed to meet the FAA’s unique operational needs. These centers serve as 24/7 communication hubs that support the NAS with information flow during aviation events and incidents. These facilities also design, coordinate, and test crisis planning to ensure an uninterrupted transfer of responsibilities during emergencies.

Visit our regional offices to find information on your region, and contact your regional office to learn how the FAA can support your outreach or aviation safety efforts.