Without direct oversight of aviation development by the federal government, much of the technology and advancements we use today would not be available. Before the Deregulation Act of 1978, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) monitored and controlled almost every aspect of the industry. It was only after the law was published that the aviation industry began to see its true potential in transportation. In the early 1900s, when the aviation industry was just getting started, many enthusiasts experimented with the new concept of flight and quickly began improving the basics. aviation concepts. What was initially intended for hobbyists quickly became a staple of the U.S. government in support of World War I and later the Postmaster General. Airplanes were becoming increasingly capable of transporting supplies in bulk and over greater distances. More importantly, it was a means of transporting time-sensitive objects from one point to another in a fraction of the time required compared to land or water. The following decades posed many challenges to the aviation industry, ranging from internal management to policy development, design and capabilities. , and government funding. However, without government interest in the program, technological improvements would not have continued to develop, increasing both the quantity and quality of aviation. In the late 1940s, with the end of World War II, the major threat of the Cold War was just beginning. The government was struggling with the postwar development of the United States and was unable to let go of industry. While retaining operational control, the government issued the Federal Aviation Act of 1958. The purpose of this act was: "To continue civil aviation...... middle of paper ...... the objective The main thing now is to ensure impartiality. between organizations and regulates financial funding for operations and security. The FAA's future role will remain important in making decisions with outside governments and agencies, particularly as America evolves into a global economy. Works Cited Harris, DB (2004, January 1). Federal Aviation Act (1958). Retrieved November 11, 2011 from http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G2-3407400112.htmlSiddiqi, A. (na). Deregulation and its consequences. Retrieved November 11, 2011 from the US Centennial of Flight Commission: http://www.centennialofflight.gov/essay/Commercial_Aviation/Dereg/Tran8.htm Wensveen, JG (2007). Air Transportation: A Management Perspective (6th Edition). Brookfield: Ashgate Publishing Group. Young, SB and Wells, AT (2011). Airport Planning and Management (6th edition). na: McGraw-Hill.