The FAA has kicked off the 43^rd annual General Aviation and Part 135 Activity Survey, gathering information for calendar year 2020. Industry organizations urged operators to participate, stressing that the survey is the only source of information such as the number of hours flown and how general aviation aircraft are used.

“The FAA and industry need accurate data on a broad range of aircraft. Your participation is voluntary, but we need your help,” said a fact sheet that NATA sent to its members. Survey data is used to develop safety metrics such as fatal accident rates, the impact of general aviation on the economy, the success of safety initiatives and regulatory changes, and aviation infrastructure and services needs.

“The survey results are used to help determine funding needs, and to calculate the rates of accidents among GA aircraft. It is critical for NBAA members invited to participate in the survey to complete it so that the FAA has the most accurate data underpinning such funding and safety statistic calculations,” added Mark Larsen, NBAA's senior manager of safety and flight operations.

Taking about 10 to 15 minutes to complete, the survey samples more than 80,000 aircraft—about 30 percent of U.S.-registered aircraft, NBAA said. Research firm Tetra Tech is continuing to administer the survey. For more information, email.