PAPA Act of 2025

The Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act of 2025 (PAPA Act) aims to tighten privacy around data from automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B), which is the system aircraft use to broadcast their position to air traffic services. The bill would generally stop anyone from using ADS-B data to identify a specific aircraft for the purpose of charging or obtaining money from the owner or operator without their consent. It would allow ADS-B data to be used by air traffic controllers to track aircraft and improve safety, but would require federal approval (with public comment) before using the data for any other purpose. The bill also expands protections so no FAA or other government official may use ADS-B data for non-safety purposes. In addition, it creates new transparency and accountability requirements for airports that want to impose landing or takeoff fees on general aviation aircraft, including public disclosures about costs, revenue plans, and the anticipated impact on general aviation. The changes would affect general aviation pilots, flight schools, charter operators, airports, and the broader GA ecosystem.