FAA Administrator on ADS-B Billing: ‘That’s Not the Intended Use’

Bedford says the agency would object if airport charge methods push pilots to turn off safety-critical equipment.

Ryan Ewing

Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 07:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford [Credit: FAA]

Key Takeaways:

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford is closely monitoring the controversy surrounding airports using ADS-B data to collect landing fees.
Bedford warned that using ADS-B data in ways that encourage pilots to disable critical safety equipment to avoid fees "crosses a line" for regulators, as it compromises safety.
This practice is a growing concern in general aviation, prompting pilot groups and state lawmakers to push for limits on using ADS-B for revenue collection.

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FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said the agency is closely watching the growing controversy over airport landing fees and warned that the use of ADS-B data in ways that could encourage pilots to disable safety equipment crosses a line for regulators.

In an exclusive interview with FLYING ahead of the magazine’s Ultimate Issue, Bedford said airports are generally permitted to charge for services but added that “how they go about that matters” and “how they assess the fees” does as well.