Which document outlines the safety standards for civil aviation in the United States?

The Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) serve as the comprehensive set of rules developed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that govern all aspects of civil aviation in the United States, including safety standards. These regulations cover a wide array of topics such as aircraft operation, pilot certification, maintenance, and air traffic control, ensuring that safety is maintained across the aviation industry.

The FAR is crucial for ensuring that both commercial and private aviation operations are conducted safely, by specifying the minimum safety requirements that must be met. This regulation is legally binding and must be adhered to by all entities involved in civil aviation, including airlines, pilot schools, and maintenance organizations.

In contrast, the other options highlight different aspects of aviation regulation and safety but do not encompass all safety standards comprehensively. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking refers to the process through which the FAA can propose new regulations but does not constitute the regulations themselves. An Airworthiness Directive is a specific directive issued to address issues with a particular aircraft or component but is not a broad document outlining safety standards. Lastly, a Safety Management System is a systematic approach to managing safety risks in aviation but is a strategy or framework rather than a regulatory document. Thus, the Federal Aviation Regulations clearly stand out as the authoritative source outlining