general aviation

General aviation (abbr. GA) is one of two categories of civil aviation.General aviation refers to all flights other than military and scheduled airline flights, both private and commercial. General aviation flights range from gliders and powered parachutes to large, non-scheduled cargo jet flights. As a result, the majority of the world's air traffic falls into this category, and most of the world's airports serve general aviation exclusively.
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All civil aviation activity except that of air carriers certificated in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Parts 121, 123, 127, and 135. The types of aircraft used in general aviation activities cover a wide spectrum from corporate multi-engine jet aircraft piloted by professional crews to amateur-built single engine piston acrobatic planes, balloons, and dirigibles. (FAA14)

That portion of civil aviation which encompasses all facets of aviation except air carriers. (DOE6) (FAA2) (FAA9)

All civil flying except that of air carriers. (AIA1)

Movements of aircraft and helicopters belonging to: companies with an air taxi or air work license; an individual, a flying club or a company whose main objective is not to provide revenue passenger transport. (ACI1)

That portion of civil aviation, which encompasses all facets of aviation except air carriers. It includes any air taxis, commuter air carriers, and air travel clubs, which do not hold Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity. See air carrier.

[ICAO]
All civil aviation operations other than scheduled air services and nonscheduled air transport operations for remuneration or hire.
 

That portion of civil aviation which encompasses all facets of aviation except air carriers holding a certificate of public convenience and necessity from the Civil Aeronautics Board and large aircraft commercial operators.
(See ICAO term GENERAL AVIATION.)