In the wake of recent high-profile general aviation accidents in New York and Florida, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Air Safety Institute reports that more than 5,000 pilots have already participated in the National Pause for General Aviation Safety, a six-month campaign launched by the AOPA Air Safety Institute in partnership with the FAA and 22 aviation organizations in April 2025.
“By now, everyone has seen the headlines from the last few days. Our hearts are broken for the families of those who died in the aircraft accidents in New York and Florida,” said AOPA Air Safety Institute Senior Vice President Mike Ginter. “It’s important not to speculate about what caused these crashes until the NTSB has completed their detailed investigation and it’s also important to look at current trends in the data.”
According to NTSB data analyzed by the Air Safety Institute, general aviation accidents are down 21% year-to-date compared to 2024. Fatalities also dropped 16% over the same period. This continues a more than 30-year trend of declining general aviation accident and fatality rates, according to safety officials.
“Aviation safety is under a microscope and understandably so,” Ginter said. “The National Pause for General Aviation Safety was launched because general aviation is safer than ever, but there is always room to improve. Our goal is to reach every general aviation pilot in the country and continue the downward trend of accident rates.”
To participate in the National Pause for General Aviation Safety, pilots are encouraged to visit GASafe.org, where they can choose from dozens of training videos, courses, and other content aimed at enhancing safety for all general aviation pilots, including charter operators, helicopter pilots, recreational flyers, and more.
For more information: GASafe.org
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