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 prevent government agencies and private companies from using ADS-B data to impose fees on pilots or initiate investigations.
The bill aims to restrict the use of ADS-B data primarily to air traffic controllers for safety and efficiency purposes only.
Sponsors of the bill and aviation advocacy groups, such as AOPA, argue that misusing ADS-B data for fees and frivolous lawsuits discourages general aviation, poses privacy concerns, and could lead pilots to avoid using this critical safety technology.

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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.