Flight Safety Australia - feedback survey 2024

The team at CASA’s Flight Safety Australia magazine sought feedback from print and online subscribers to gather information on whether they are happy with the content and safety information provided in the magazine.

The survey period ran for one month between 27 June and 25 July 2024.

The survey asked all readers to rate how strongly they agree with specific statements on how the magazine has improved their awareness of aviation safety. There were also questions specific to the print magazine, including whether the magazine is value for money and if it features a good range of topics. 

We also asked open-ended questions on what readers like most about the magazine and what they think we could improve.

All print and digital subscribers were invited to provide feedback. There was also an opportunity for people who do not currently read the magazine to comment on certain topics.

We received 579 responses from readers across a variety of backgrounds in the aviation industry. Most respondents (60%) fly as recreational or private pilots, 21% are aircraft owners or in general aviation, and 16% are commercial pilots.

Summary of feedback

Overall, the feedback from readers was positive:

• 96% agree they have learned useful information on aviation safety from reading Flight Safety Australia
• 87% say it has influenced them to become safer in their aviation role
• 96% would recommend it to other people in the aviation industry.

Readers enjoy the educational value provided by the magazine especially the case studies, close calls, incident reports and quizzes. They also like the safety focus of the magazine and how that comes through in personal stories and articles with industry expert contributions. The magazine provides a good range of topics and is presented in an easy-to-read format.

When asked if there is anything the magazine could do better, many readers said there was nothing that could be changed and to ‘keep up the good work’. While the magazine does get a lot of things right, some readers suggested areas for improvement.

Accessibility 

Some readers would like to see the magazine return to being free for the aviation industry. This would be especially useful for new or student pilots who can learn from the educational focus of the magazine.

Content suggestions 

Readers would like to see more content aimed at student or low-time pilots, maintenance engineers, as well as commercial and cabin crew. Other topic suggestions include human factors, safety culture, sport and recreation such as gliding and paragliding, and drones. Readers enjoy articles with a technical focus which could include operational procedures, dealing with air traffic control, or upcoming regulatory changes.

Overall, many readers requested that the magazine continue to be produced as a printed publication as it’s easier to read and share with others.

See the full report for a breakdown of all the data and see what people had to say in the published responses.

We have read all comments and feedback and as a result:

• we have compiled a list of content and topic ideas for future publication
• we will actively look for more content relevant to maintenance engineers and others in the industry
• we are working with our design team to review some aspects of the print edition such as the use of dark backgrounds and light text (some readers said it makes articles harder to read)
• we will continue to offer a range of discounts, incentives and rewards throughout the year for new and existing print magazine subscribers.

Finally, we have reviewed the suggestion that the print magazine should be free. The magazine has a long history across the Australian aviation industry from when it was provided free to all aviation reference number (ARN) holders. We understand this was a well-loved initiative however the large cost resulted in the eventual withdrawal from print. Asking readers to pay a subscription fee allows us to continue providing this important safety education tool in print while ensuring a high-quality product. We also make sure all the stories from the print edition are free to access online at flightsafetyaustralia.com (as well as bonus online only content such as videos, animations and audio stories).

Thanks again to the 579 people who took the time to complete the survey. For those who didn’t, we are always open to suggestions. You can contact us any time.