Editing Federal Aviation Administration (section)

=== 1970s and deregulation ===
By the mid-1970s, the agency had achieved a semi-automated air traffic control system using both [[radar]] and computer technology. This system required enhancement to keep pace with air traffic growth, however, especially after the [[Airline Deregulation Act|Airline Deregulation Act of 1978]] phased out the CAB's economic regulation of the airlines. A nationwide strike by the [[Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (1968)|air traffic controllers union]] in 1981 forced temporary flight restrictions but failed to shut down the airspace system. During the following year, the agency unveiled a new plan for further automating its air traffic control facilities, but progress proved disappointing. In 1994, the FAA shifted to a more step-by-step approach that has provided controllers with advanced equipment.<ref>[http://www.faa.gov/about/history/brief%5Fhistory/ FAA History] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080702041843/http://www.faa.gov/about/history/brief_history/ |date=July 2, 2008 }} from official website.</ref>

In 1979, Congress authorized the FAA to work with major commercial airports to define [[noise pollution]] [[contour line|contours]] and investigate the feasibility of [[Noise control|noise mitigation]] by residential retrofit programs. Throughout the 1980s, these charters were implemented.

In the 1990s, satellite technology received increased emphasis in the FAA's development programs as a means to improvements in communications, navigation, and airspace management. In 1995, the agency assumed responsibility for safety oversight of commercial space transportation, a function begun eleven years before by an office within DOT headquarters. The agency was responsible for the decision to ground flights after the [[September 11 attacks]].