Addressing ADS-B Data Misuse: The Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) is staunchly defending the proposed Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act (PAPA). This legislation is intended to prevent airports and third-party companies from exploiting ADS-B tracking data to levy user fees on general aviation pilots.
Championed by U.S. Senator Ted Budd and U.S. Representative Bob Onder, both active GA pilots, the bill seeks to restrict the use of ADS-B data for billing purposes. However, it maintains the safety functions of the data. AOPA Senior VP Jim Coon contends that the current practices of extracting ADS-B data and accessing FAA aircraft registry information for personal details infringe on privacy and deter the adoption of safety technology.
“This invasive practice, which was never an intended use of ADS-B, not only invades privacy, but also acts as a disincentive for others to equip their aircraft with this safety-enhancing technology,” Coon stated.
The legislation’s primary objective is to prevent U.S. airports from adopting the models of other countries. These models have imposed escalating user fees, leading to significant declines in general aviation.
Source: https://generalaviationnews.com/2025/09/29/proposed-ads-b-bill-will-protect-general-aviation/