The Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act would block the use of ADS-B data for collecting airport fees or launching investigations. Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC) introduced S.2175, with Sens. Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and Tim Sheehy (R-MT) as co-sponsors. Rep. Robert F. Onder (R-MO) introduced the companion bill, H.4146. From Sen. Budd’s website, the bill: “As a […]
ADS-B
Petition calls for FAA to stop use of ADS-B data for airport fees
“ADS-B was implemented to improve safety, not to serve as a financial tool,” according to the petition. “Using it for fee collection not only deviates from its intended purpose but also risks discouraging participation in safety-enhancing technologies. Pilots should not face unexpected financial burdens or privacy concerns from a system meant to improve airspace security.”
Notes from SUN ‘n FUN 2025
Attending SUN ‘n FUN for the first time since 2019, Publisher Ben Sclair filled his reporter’s notebooks with news from the show.
uAvionix introduces next-gen ADS-B transponder
The echoESX EXP for experimental aircraft is intended for use with ground-based ADS-B systems and available now for pre-orders. The certified echoESX TSO version, compatible with the certified AV-30-C control head panel display is expected in early 2026.
Fees for thee, but not for me?
A Montana state bill, if signed into law, will establish a line of who can, and can’t, be charged airport usage fees generated using ADS-B.
Montana legislators pass bill limiting use of ADS-B
The bill, introduced by Rep. Shane Klakken (R-Grass Range), who is a pilot, would prohibit the use of ADS-B data to assess landing fees on general aviation (Part 91) flights in aircraft that weigh no more than 9,000 pounds.
Pilots complain ADS-B information being used beyond original intent
Aircraft owners invested over half a billion dollars of their own money to comply with the ADS-B mandate, believing it would only be used to make flying safer and more efficient. Instead, they are increasingly being targeted with enforcement actions, legal harassment, and bills from third parties to collect airport fees — things that are far from the equipage mandate’s original purpose.
FAA updates ADS-B privacy program
The program allows pilots to opt out of real-time ADS-B flight tracking by the general public.
AOPA fights against landing fees
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association is urging the FAA to intervene on behalf of general aviation pilots and block the use of FAA-mandated ADS-B data by third parties to assess fees based on aircraft movements — a practice that raises many concerns, including violation of privacy and violation of federal grant obligations by public airports.