2120-0696 2008 B_revised

OMB Supporting Statement

2008-2011 Private Pilot Airplane Single Engine Land (ASEL):

Assessment of Instruction and Practical Test Experience

OMB #2120-0696

B. Statistical Methods

1. Describe the potential respondent universe.

The total respondent universe consists of all newly certified GA ASEL pilots in the United States. Since the number of people taking the certification test varies each year, we can only estimate that the possible number of respondents will equal approximately 12,000 during the data collection period from March to March.

2. Describe the procedures for the collection of information.

The data collection will be conducted from March 2008 through March 2011. Since certification is an ongoing process, questionnaires will be mailed out immediately following certification to the pilot’s home address. All newly certificated GA pilots will be mailed a perforated postage-paid postcard that can be returned to request a hard copy of the survey. The postcard will also provide information regarding a website link and a unique user ID for those interested in responding online.

3. Describe methods to maximize response rates.

Newly certified GA ASEL pilots will receive a postcard notifying them of an upcoming survey and the importance of receiving feedback on their flight training and testing experiences. One week following the notification, the pilot will receive a perforated postage-paid postcard inviting the pilot to participate in the survey either online via a unique user ID and web address or by returning half of the post card to request a hard copy of the survey. The cover letter of the survey will explain the importance of their feedback in improving the quality of flight testing. They will be assured that the survey is completely anonymous and voluntary and that if any of the questions make them feel uncomfortable, they should skip them. A reminder postcard will be sent to non-responders two weeks and four weeks after survey distribution.

Personal demographic information obtained from the Civil Aviation Registry will be used to evaluate non-responders (both non-contacts and refusals). Information obtained from non-response analyses will be used to assess the representativeness of the responding population, better understand where bias might exist, and improve future survey administrations.

4. Describe tests of procedures and methods to be undertaken.

All instruments are reviewed by a group of experienced FAA researchers and AFS personnel for clarity of instructions and technical details.

5. Provide the names of consultants and the person who will collect and analyze the information.

The information will be collected and analyzed by Carla A. Hackworth, Ph.D., CAMI, (405) 954-6299; Katrina Avers, Ph.D., CAMI (405) 954-1199; Dan Jack, Xyant Technology, (405) 954-6836; Janine King, Xyant Technology, (405) 954-6837; and Lance Nuckolls, FAA Headquarters, AFS-840.