Who provides oversight to ensure safe practices in the use of the airspace over airports?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the primary agency responsible for regulating and overseeing the safety of civil aviation in the United States, including the management of airspace above airports. The FAA establishes and enforces regulations that govern the safe operation of aircraft, air traffic control procedures, and overall airspace management. This includes ensuring that air traffic around airports is conducted safely and efficiently.

In this context, the FAA plays a critical role in setting standards for flight operations, conducting inspections, and providing guidance on safety practices related to the use of airspace over airports. Their oversight is vital for maintaining the safety of both commercial and private aviation, as well as ensuring that all aircraft operate within the established regulations to avoid accidents and incidents.

Other options, such as local police departments, airport management, and airlines, while they have roles in airport operations and safety, do not have the authority or expertise at the level that the FAA provides for overseeing airspace usage. Local police may address security and safety at the airport itself, airport management focuses on the operation and functioning of the airport property, and airlines are primarily concerned with their own flight operations. None of these entities possess the regulatory framework necessary to oversee air traffic over airports comprehensively.