The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB)
The CAB was established as an independent board of five individuals who reported directly to the president and whose function was primarily to exercise control over air carrier economic regulation, such as rates, routes, and mergers. The CAB was also given the responsibility to investigate aircraft accidents and for safety rulemaking. It was specifically charged with “the promotion, encouragement, and development of civil aeronautics.”
Ш The Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA)
The CAA was created as an agency, headed by an administrator, which was placed back within the Department of Commerce. Responsibility for all non-military air traffic control, safety programs, and airway development was now assumed by the CAA. Compliance with Civil Air Regulations became mandatory. Training centers were established to educate and standardize training for air traffic controllers and others affected by safety regulations. Coordination of all controllers followed, with towers and en route centers falling under the CAA umbrella.