What significant program was established by the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982?

The established program by the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982 is the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). This program is crucial for enhancing the safety, security, and efficiency of the nation's airports. It provides federal grants to public agencies for improving and developing public-use airports, focusing on projects that include runway extensions, airport safety enhancements, and improving accessibility for disabled individuals.

The AIP plays a vital role in ensuring airports can meet current and future aviation demands while maintaining high safety standards. This program emerged as a response to the growing need for infrastructure improvements in the aviation sector during that period. In contrast, other options like the Airport Development Aid Program and the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems served different purposes and contexts within the broader framework of airport and aviation development, while the Transportation Security Administration focuses specifically on air travel security rather than airport improvement.