Our Mission
The AOPA Air Safety Institute (ASI) is focused on reducing general aviation accidents. We are the largest provider of free general aviation safety content in the world, delivering new messaging to engage pilots and make them safer. We hold a responsibility to guide the overall culture of safety in general aviation by influencing pilot behavior, policy makers, and training providers.
Approximately 75 percent of all general aviation accidents are caused by pilot error. Each year, some 350 people lose their lives in more than 200 fatal general aviation accidents in the U.S. Even though safety information is proven to make pilots safer, alarmingly research indicates that less than 50 percent of active general aviation pilots consume it on a regular basis.
Our three focus areas help us reach our goal of genuine safety culture in general aviation:
- Data Analysis researches available data and produces the most comprehensive analysis and widely used analysis of general aviation accidents and incidents.
- Design & Development is producing high quality, engaging, and insightful educational material that promotes safer flying practices for general aviation pilots at all experience levels.
- Outreach and Flight Instructor Refresher Course (eFIRC) reaches nationwide audiences through live seminars and webinars, recognizes aviation safety contributions, and renews thousands of flight instructor certificates each year.
“We approach safety by working to promote knowledge, training, proficiency, reliable equipment and an accountable general aviation culture.”
– Richard McSpadden, AOPA Air Safety Institute Senior Vice President
Data Analysis
Insightful and accurate accident analysis and research are foundational to the AOPA Air Safety Institute's successful production of materials, outreach in the aviation community, and influence on the general aviation safety culture. We deliver the most comprehensive and widely used analysis of general aviation accidents in the industry—such as the Joseph T. Nall Report, which is used by both government and industry to drive new and modified safety initiatives.
Richard G. McSpadden Report (formerly Nall) Accident Database ReportsDesign and Development
Videos, podcasts, and social media are ubiquitous, and we are leveraging these modern platforms and expanding our visibility as one of the best means of broadening the safety message.
The Design and Development Team is continuously creating high quality, engaging, and insightful educational material that promote safer flying practices for general aviation pilots at all experience levels. Creating this data-driven subject matter enables pilots to become part of a safer aviation community and is crucial to the Air Safety Institute's mission.
Safety Videos There I Was...podcast Focused Flight ReviewOutreach and Flight Instructor Refresher Course (eFIRC)
More flight instructors renew their certification through the AOPA Air Safety Institute's Flight Instructor Refresher Courses (FIRC) than any other CFI renewal program in the industry.
Recognition can be a powerful motivator and influencer. That is why we established the AOPA Air Safety Institute General Aviation Safety Award—to raise the profile of individuals and groups that make extraordinary contributions to the general aviation community.
We partner with many organizations focused on aviation safety to provide a unified effort in reaching our safety goals. These include government agencies, aircraft and equipment manufacturers, universities, more than 70 international AOPA affiliates, and other general aviation associations.
Online FIRC Safety Seminars Our Partners