Bill Would Limit Use of ADS-B Data

Sponsors contend fees and charges discouraging general aviation.

Zach Vasile

Friday, June 27, 2025 at 12:00 PM ET

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Edited By: Steve Spears

A close-up view of an instrumental panel [Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

Congressional lawmakers have introduced the "Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act" to restrict the use of ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast) data.
The bill aims to prevent government agencies and private companies from using ADS-B data to impose fees on pilots or initiate investigations based solely on this information, limiting its use to air traffic control for safety and efficiency.
This legislation addresses concerns from general aviation groups, like the AOPA, regarding the misuse of the FAA-mandated safety technology for unfair fees, frivolous lawsuits, and questionable enforcement actions, which proponents argue discourages pilots and raises privacy issues.

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A group of congressional lawmakers has introduced a bill that would block government agencies and private companies from using ADS-B data to impose fees on pilots.

The Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act would limit the use of ADS-B data to air traffic controllers (ATCs) for purposes of safety and efficiency. It would also ensure that investigations cannot be initiated on the basis of ADS-B data alone.