What is the function of the FAA in relation to civil aviation?

The FAA, or Federal Aviation Administration, plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and security of civil aviation in the United States. This federal agency is responsible for creating and enforcing regulations that govern all aspects of civil aviation, including aircraft design, flight operations, pilot certification, and maintenance of aviation facilities. By enforcing aviation safety regulations, the FAA aims to minimize accidents and incidents, thereby protecting passengers, crew, and cargo.

The other options relate to different aspects of the aviation industry that the FAA does not directly engage in. For instance, the provision of airline services involves the commercial aspect of aviation, which is managed by airlines themselves. Similarly, managing airline ticket sales is the domain of individual airlines and travel agencies, not a regulatory body like the FAA. Lastly, while the FAA may set some regulations regarding airport safety and operations, the direct oversight of airport operations typically falls under local or state authorities rather than the FAA itself. This distinction highlights the FAA's primary focus on maintaining and enforcing safety standards in civil aviation.