Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act

The Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act is a bill that would limit how automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data can be used and increase transparency around new fees for general aviation aircraft. Key provisions: (1) ADS-B data could not be used to identify aircraft to impose fees or charges, and air traffic controllers could only use ADS-B data to track aircraft for safety/efficiency or for other uses only after public notice and comment. (2) No FAA or other government official could use ADS-B data in investigations. (3) If airports want to impose landing or take-off fees on general aviation aircraft, they must publicly disclose several items about costs, funding, and impacts before charging. Revenues from such fees would be restricted to airside safety projects. The bill also defines general aviation aircraft and instructs the FAA to develop implementing rules as needed. Overall, the bill aims to bolster privacy around ADS-B data, lessen the potential for using surveillance data to levy fees, limit investigative use of the data, and require transparency and targeted use of any fees charged to general aviation.