FAA GA Activity Survey — Industry Participation Remains Critical
The Federal Aviation Administration’s annual General Aviation and Part 135 Activity Survey (GA Survey) is now underway, reporting on calendar year 2025. FAA survey administrators report a strong start to this year’s effort, with additional communication efforts underway this week and next to encourage participation from those who have not yet responded.
Additionally, telephone interviewers will continue contacting aircraft owners to offer assistance in completing the survey and answering questions. While early response rates are encouraging, additional participation is still needed to reach survey targets. Operators who receive a survey are strongly encouraged to respond to ensure agricultural aviation activity is accurately represented.
The GA Survey is the only source of information on the general aviation fleet and the number of hours flown. The GA survey is different than the Industry Survey being conducted by NAAA (see article in this eNewsletter) – participation in both is critical to documenting the importance and safety of ag aviation.
Data from the GA survey are used by governmental agencies and industry to:
- compute safety metrics, such as fatal accident rates;
- understand the impact of the GA industry on jobs, economic output, and investments in aviation infrastructure;
- track the success of safety initiatives, including avionics recommendations;
- determine funding for infrastructure and service needs; and
- assess the impact of regulatory changes.
The FAA and the ag aviation industry need accurate data on a broad range of aircraft. Your participation is voluntary, but we need your help. We encourage everyone who is contacted to respond to the survey so that all aviation activity is represented. Postcard and email invitations have been sent to owners/operators of both single and multiple aircraft, and the initial round of paper surveys have been mailed. Fleet owner/operators should expect the invitations to look different than in prior years, but be assured it’s the 2025 GA survey. Telephone interviewers will reach out to fleets to offer assistance in completing the survey to maximize participation.
GA and Part 135 Activity Survey Basics
To provide more information about the survey, Tetra Tech, the independent research firm that has been conducting an annual survey for the FAA for 26 years, compiled this FAQ list.
Q: Are responses confidential?
Yes, the information will only be used for statistical purposes and will not be published or released in any form that would reveal an individual participant. Individually identifiable responses are never shared — not with the FAA, other government agencies, or any other organization.
Q: How are participants contacted?
Participants who are selected will receive an email or postcard invitation asking them to complete the survey online. Those who do not complete the survey online will receive a mail survey, which includes a postage-paid return envelope.
Q: Is it easy to complete the survey?
Yes! It only takes 10-15 minutes to complete the survey, which you can do online or on a survey form that will be mailed to you, along with a postage-paid return envelope. Or call Tetra Tech toll-free at 1-800-826-1797.
Q: I didn’t fly my aircraft in 2025. Do I still need to complete the survey?
Yes, please respond even if you did not fly your aircraft during 2025, sold it, or if theaircraft was damaged.
Q. Will I receive a survey form for each aircraft I own?
An abbreviated survey form is available for owners/operators of three or more aircraft. To obtain one, contact Tetra Tech toll-free at 1-800-826-1797 or email [email protected].
Q. I did this last year. Why am I receiving the survey again?
Several groups of aircraft are surveyed every year to better understand the aviation activity of high-use groups, such as turbine aircraft, rotorcraft, newer aircraft, and Alaska-based aircraft.
Q. Who should I contact if I have more questions?
Please contact Tetra Tech toll-free at 1-800-826-1797 or email [email protected].
Q: How many aircraft are sampled annually?
More than 80,000, or about 30 percent of the population, but the sample includes smaller proportions of some aircraft. Participation across all types of aircraft is critical to success!
Q: Where can I find survey results from previous years?
Visit here.