What was the primary purpose of the 1996 Federal Aviation Act?

The primary purpose of the 1996 Federal Aviation Act was to address aviation security issues, particularly in response to growing concerns about safety and terrorism in the aviation industry. This legislation introduced measures aimed at enhancing the security of airlines and airports, which became increasingly critical in the wake of various incidents and threats to aviation safety during that period.

The act aimed to bolster federal authority over airport security functions, ensuring that standardized security protocols were established and enforced across the nation’s airports, thus promoting passenger safety. It reflected an awareness of the need to strengthen the framework for aviation security in a rapidly evolving transportation environment.

While the other choices might encompass various aspects of aviation regulation, they do not capture the central focus of the 1996 Federal Aviation Act, which was to enhance security protocols in the wake of increased awareness of potential risks to air travel.