Who is authorized to define criteria for military airport protection of precision approach critical areas?

The Department of Defense (DOD) is authorized to define the criteria for military airport protection concerning precision approach critical areas. This authority arises from the DOD's responsibility for managing military airspace and ensuring safety protocols are in place for military operations, including the precision approach paths that are critical for landing aircraft in various conditions. Their expertise in military operations and the unique requirements associated with military airport environments guide the establishment of specific safety criteria that relate to the surrounding airspace and the protection of these important operational areas.

The FAA Administrator, while also involved in aviation safety, primarily oversees civil aviation regulations and does not set criteria specifically related to military airport protections. The National Guard operates under the DOD but does not hold the authority to define these criteria. Similarly, the Department of Transportation addresses broader transportation-related regulations but is not specifically responsible for the military criteria regarding precision approach critical areas. Therefore, the DOD's role is critical in ensuring the operational integrity and safety of military installations in relation to precision approaches.