GRAND FORKS (AP) - Surveys are being taken at the state's eight largest airports to compile a report on the economic impact of aviation in North Dakota, the state Aeronautics Commission says.

Aeronautics Commissioner Gary Ness said the surveys are funded by a $200,000 Federal Aviation Administration grant. The last study was done in 1999.

"We do the passenger survey to see where the passengers are coming from and where they're going," he said.

University of North Dakota students will conduct the survey in Grand Forks as a fundraiser, said Kim Kenville, assistant professor of airport management at the school. The money they make will be used to fund their trip to the annual National American Association of Airport Executives meeting.

"We usually jump at the chance to fundraise in something in our field," she said.

Students will ask passengers where they're going, how long it took them to get to the airport and why they selected their flight. Passengers also will be asked whether their trip is for business or pleasure and how many people they're traveling with.