Over 5,000 Pilots Join the ‘National Pause for GA Safety’

In response to two recent general aviation accidents that made national headlines, more than 5,000 pilots have joined the “National Pause for General Aviation Safety.” This is a six-month campaign launched in April 2025 by the Air Safety Institute.

The initiative, backed by the FAA and 22 other aviation organizations, urges GA pilots to slow down, refocus, and maybe—just maybe—stop flying into trouble.

“Aviation safety is under a microscope and understandably so,” said Mike Ginter, Air Safety Institute Senior VP. “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.”

According to analysis of NTSB data, general aviation accidents are down 21% compared to this time last year. Fatalities are down 16%. While the long-term trend shows a steady, decades-long decline in GA accident rates, the industry isn’t calling it “mission accomplished” just yet.

The “National Pause” is less of a dramatic standstill and more of a structured, highly recommended time-out. Pilots can log onto GASafe.org and pick from a curated collection of training videos, safety courses, articles, and resources. The campaign is designed for all corners of GA, from helicopter pilots and flight schools to flying clubs and charter operators.

The program's partners want pilots to take 10–30 minutes (or more, if you’re the overachieving type) to refocus on safety habits relevant to their flying. The content is optimized for solo study or group sessions—think EAA chapters, FAASTeam seminars, or flight school gatherings.

“The passion and pride pilots bring to flying are matched only by their dedication to doing it safely,” added AOPA President and CEO Darren Pleasance. “The National Pause for General Aviation Safety reminds us that even as technology and training improve, safety begins with the right mindset. While we won’t know for some time what caused these most recent accidents, a few intentional minutes spent sharpening our knowledge could be the difference that prevents the next accident.”

FMI: https://gasafe.org