ADS-B Fee Collection Banned in Louisiana: A Growing State Revolt
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has signed HB 730 into law, making Louisiana the latest state to prohibit airports from using Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data to calculate, generate, or collect fees from general aviation pilots. Critics argue this practice weaponizes a critical safety technology for profit.
The law, effective from August 1, 2026, applies to aircraft weighing 12,500 pounds or less operating under FAR Part 91 (non-commercial operations). Airports violating the ban could face fines of up to $500 per aircraft charged. The bill passed the Louisiana Senate unanimously and cleared the House by a vote of 91-8.
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) praised the signing. Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, Jim Coon, stated that pilots were initially assured ADS-B would only be used for aviation safety and airspace efficiency — an assurance he believes has not been kept. Both NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford have testified before Congress that ADS-B should not be used as a fee-generation tool.
While the state-by-state movement is gaining momentum, AOPA is simultaneously pushing for a national federal policy to prevent a confusing patchwork of differing state laws. Federal legislation, including provisions within the ALERT Act passed by the U.S. House, is also addressing the issue at the congressional level.
Source: AOPA – Louisiana Becomes Third State to Ban ADS-B-Based Billing