In terms of aviation law, who has the authority to approve or deny flight operations?

The authority to approve or deny flight operations falls primarily to Aviation Safety Inspectors. These inspectors are responsible for ensuring that all aspects of civil aviation are conducted safely and in compliance with regulations set forth by governing bodies, such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States. They evaluate various factors, including the maintenance of aircraft, adherence to operational procedures, and overall safety measures before granting the necessary approvals for flights to operate.

While other roles play significant parts in aviation—such as flight engineers who assist in operating and maintaining aircraft, air traffic controllers who manage the safe and orderly flow of air traffic, and aircraft manufacturers who build the aircraft according to regulations—the ultimate authority for approving flight operations lies with the inspectors. Their evaluations are crucial for maintaining safety standards in the aviation industry.