How is the effectiveness of the FAA's Flight Standards Service evaluated?

The effectiveness of the FAA's Flight Standards Service is evaluated through incident and accident reports. This method provides critical data that reflects the safety and compliance of aviation operations. By analyzing these reports, the FAA can identify trends, assess the efficacy of regulations, and implement necessary changes to enhance safety measures. This data-driven approach helps ensure that airlines and other operators adhere to established safety protocols, ultimately contributing to the overall integrity of the national airspace system.

Passenger satisfaction ratings, the number of flights scheduled, and financial audits do not directly measure the standards and regulations related to flight operations or safety outcomes, which are the primary focus of the Flight Standards Service. Hence, using incident and accident reports is a targeted way to evaluate performance and highlight areas for improvement in aviation safety.