What defines a "federally obligated airport"?

A "federally obligated airport" is characterized by its receipt of federal funds, which necessitates adherence to specific requirements imposed by federal regulations. When an airport accepts federal grants, typically from programs administered by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), it enters into agreements that require compliance with a range of obligations. These obligations can include maintaining certain safety and operational standards, ensuring equal access and treatment for all users, and making the airport available for public use without discrimination.

This designation is crucial for ensuring that federal investments lead to improvements in safety, service, and operational efficiency at the airport, ultimately benefiting the traveling public and the broader community. By accepting these funds, airports commit to a level of oversight and regulatory compliance that aligns with federal standards, thus enhancing the overall infrastructure and reliability of the nation's air transportation system.

The other options do not accurately reflect the criteria for defining a federally obligated airport, as they either describe airports with no federal funding, focus on military use without regard to obligations, or suggest a lack of regulatory oversight, which contradicts the nature of federal obligations that require compliance with established regulations.