What is one of the primary duties of the FAA in relation to aviation safety?

One of the primary duties of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is conducting and overseeing accident investigations. This responsibility is crucial for maintaining aviation safety as it allows the FAA to analyze the causes of accidents and incidents, identify safety deficiencies, and recommend measures to prevent recurrence. Through comprehensive investigations, the FAA can gather valuable data that informs policy, regulatory changes, and safety programs aimed at enhancing the safety of the air transportation system. This function is essential not only for addressing individual accidents but also for improving overall aviation safety standards and practices.

The other options, while related to the aviation industry, do not directly align with the FAA's primary mandate regarding safety regulation and oversight. For example, creating promotional materials for airlines is more of a marketing function that does not contribute directly to safety. Designing aircraft is primarily the domain of manufacturers, and while the FAA does set standards and regulations regarding design, it does not design aircraft itself. Carrying out passenger surveys is typically conducted by airlines or independent organizations and does not relate to the FAA's core responsibility of ensuring safety in aviation operations.