Which agency is described as independent and focused on transportation safety?

• A. Federal Aviation Administration
• B. Air Traffic Control
• C. National Transportation Safety Board
• D. Regional Airline Association

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is recognizing an agency that operates independently and is dedicated to investigating transportation safety. The National Transportation Safety Board fits this description because it is an independent federal agency whose primary role is to investigate transportation accidents across all modes and to issue safety recommendations to prevent future occurrences. It does not regulate or enforce safety standards—that’s handled by other agencies—so its independence ensures its findings are impartial.

In contrast, the Federal Aviation Administration is a regulatory body within the Department of Transportation, focusing on safety oversight, certification, and rules for aviation, not independence. Air Traffic Control is a function within the FAA, handling the routing and management of aircraft rather than serving as an independent safety investigator. The Regional Airline Association is a trade group representing regional airlines, not a government safety agency.