The correct spelling of the agency formerly known as the Civil Aeronautic Board (CAB) may cause some confusion. It is pronounced /ˈsɪvəl ˌɛrəˈnɔtɪk ˈbɔrd/ and is spelled with the American English spelling of "aeronautic" rather than the British English spelling of "aeronautical". The spelling "aeronautic" is derived from the Greek word "aer" meaning "air" and "nautis" meaning "sailor", which is a fitting name for an agency regulating air travel. The CAB was responsible for regulating air carriers and promoting safety and efficiency in the airline industry until it was disbanded in 1985.
The Civil Aeronautic Board (CAB) was an independent regulatory agency in the United States that existed from 1938 to 1984. It was responsible for overseeing and regulating various aspects of commercial aviation within the country during that period. The primary role of the CAB was to ensure fair competition and safety within the airline industry, as well as to protect the interests of consumers.
The CAB had various regulatory powers, including the authority to determine airline routes and schedules, set fares and rates, approve airline mergers and acquisitions, and enforce safety regulations. It played a crucial role in shaping the development of the airline industry by granting operating certificates to new airlines and determining the number of carriers on specific routes.
The primary objective of the CAB was to balance the interests of both airlines and consumers. It aimed to promote efficient and competitive air transportation while also ensuring that passengers were protected from unscrupulous practices and excessive fares. The board often made decisions based on public interest, including considerations of airport development, aviation safety, and the needs of underserved communities.
In 1984, the CAB was abolished as part of a broader reorganization of the aviation industry. Many of its responsibilities were transferred to the newly established Department of Transportation, which now oversees aviation regulation in the United States. The legacy of the CAB can still be seen in the modern regulatory framework that governs the aviation industry.