DECADECA Travel and Tourism Practice Exam

What was the primary function of the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB)?

1. To provide air traffic control

2. To regulate air travel until 1978

3. To oversee aircraft manufacturing

4. To license new airlines

The correct answer is: To regulate air travel until 1978

The primary function of the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) was to regulate air travel until 1978. Established in the 1930s as a government agency, the CAB was responsible for overseeing the economic aspects of commercial aviation. This included setting airline fares, regulating routes, and ensuring that airlines operated in a manner that was fair and competitive. The CAB played a crucial role in the development of the aviation industry during a time when air travel was becoming increasingly popular but also required oversight to stabilize the market and protect consumer interests. The deregulation of the airline industry in 1978 marked the end of the CAB's regulatory authority, ultimately leading to a more competitive marketplace where airlines could set their own fares and routes without government intervention. Understanding the CAB's historical context is essential for grasping the evolution of air travel regulations and the shift towards a free-market approach in the airline industry that continues to shape the travel experience today.