GA Serves America is an educational campaign launched by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). The campaign will educate policymakers and our fellow citizens about the critical economic role General Aviation (GA) plays in our local communities and nation. This Web site was developed by the AOPA to help decision makers and the public better understand GA’s critical role in our national economy and the essential role it plays in the daily lives of all Americans.

There are many similarities between how people use their automobiles and how General Aviation (GA) pilots use their small airplanes. So, if you know anything about how America’s roads and highways work, then you’re well on your way to understanding America’s air transportation system. Below, we explain GA’s basic elements: pilots, aircraft, navigation and communication, airports, airways, the cost of flying, airspace, air traffic control, flight plans, security, funding, and the Federal Aviation Administration.

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to General Aviation (GA), was incorporated on May 15, 1939. From the start, AOPA has fought to keep GA fun, safe, and affordable. Now the organization represents a record 415,000 members—more than any other aviation organization in the world—and is often called “the voice of general aviation.” AOPA represents GA’s interests with the Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation, Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration, National Transportation Safety Board, Congress, and with other aviation organizations on behalf of its members. While service to members remains its primary job, AOPA actively pursues better public understanding of GA and its benefits to the nation. The association will always work at the international, federal, state, and local levels to advance GA’s cause.

National Air Transportation Association, whose membership includes FBOs, flight schools, charter operators, and other General Aviation-related businesses, is working closely with AOPA on the GA Serves America campaign to educate policymakers, opinion leaders, and the public about the true value of general aviation. NATA President Jim Coyne chairs the GA Serves America Advisory Council and has said that it is his goal to have every NATA member, and all of their customers, participating in the campaign.

  • pilots

    Pilots

    Pilots are certificated by the Federal Aviation Administration for particular types of flying activities, including whether they may carry passengers, fly for hire, or fly in certain weather conditions.

  • Aircraft

    General Aviation (GA) aircraft come in all shapes, sizes, and prices. Many used airplanes bought and sold in the United States today cost no more than an SUV, and some cost as little as a used car.

  • airport

    Airports

    Airports can be as basic as a strip of freshly mowed grass in a farmer’s backyard or as complex as O’Hare International in Chicago. Yet all airports share some basic features.

  • airspace

    Airspace

    All of the open sky covering the United States — from less than an inch off the ground all the way to outer space — is part of America’s airspace. The airspace ranges from most to least restricted.

  • Navigation and Communiation

    Navigation & Communication

    Much like drivers use maps and GPS to get from point to point, pilots use maps, charts, a compass, GPS, and other tools to navigate through the U.S. airspace.

  • airway

    Airways

    Airways often are referred to as "highways in the sky" for a reason. The network of airways and jetways is very much like the national highway system, and both serve the needs of all Americans.

  • ATC

    Air Traffic Control

    The vast majority of flights are not handled by air traffic control. Surprised? Just think about how you use your car. No one provides permission for you to leave your driveway or enter a parking lot.

  • flight plan

    Flight Plans

    One common misconception is that every aircraft must be issued a flight plan before it can fly. Flight plans are not required for pilots navigating using references on the ground.

  • cost of flying

    Cost of Flying

    Small airplanes are safe and comfortable, but few are luxurious "sky yachts" being driven by “fat cats.” Most are rented or owned by ordinary people like school teachers, nurses, bankers, and electricians.

  • Security

    Security

    A comprehensive range of proven measures are in place to secure America’s GA aircraft and airports from potential acts of terror.

  • FAA

    The FAA’s Role

    The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the element of the U.S. government with primary responsibility for the safety of General Aviation (GA).