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S2175119th CongressWALLET

Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act

Sponsored By: Senator Sen. Budd, Ted [R-NC]

Introduced

Summary

General aviation privacy is the main focus. The bill would limit use of automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data and force airports to disclose and restrict fees on general aviation aircraft so revenue pays only for airside safety projects.

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  • Pilots, students, charities, and small aviation businesses would get clearer rules and notices before airports charge landing or takeoff fees. Airports must explain efforts to cut non-airside costs, other revenue sources, the cost and share of planned airside safety projects, and how fees will affect the local general aviation community.
  • Federal, State, local, territorial, and Tribal officials would be barred from using ADS-B data in investigations. This expands an existing prohibition that previously applied only to the FAA Administrator.
  • Air traffic controllers could still use ADS-B for tracking and safety, and the Secretary of Transportation could allow other uses only after public notice and a chance for comment.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Limits on aircraft tracking data use

If enacted, the bill would bar anyone from using ADS-B data to identify an aircraft in order to assess a fee or charge the owner or operator. It would also stop Federal, State, local, territorial, and Tribal officials from using ADS-B data in investigations. Air traffic controllers could still use ADS-B to track aircraft and improve safety and efficiency. The Secretary of Transportation could allow other uses only after public notice and an opportunity for comment. This would start upon enactment.

General aviation landing fee rules

If enacted, airport owners would have to post specific information before charging landing or take-off fees on general aviation aircraft. They would need to show efforts to reduce non-airside costs and to seek revenue from other sources. They would have to post total cost estimates for planned airside safety projects, how much or what percent of the fee will pay for them, and an estimated timeline. They would also need to assess how the fee would affect pilots, students, charities, and local aviation businesses. Money raised from these fees could only be used for airside safety projects. The FAA could make rules or reporting requirements to carry out this section. This would start upon enactment.

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Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Sen. Budd, Ted [R-NC]

NC • R

Cosponsors

  • Dan Sullivan

    AK • R

    Sponsored 6/25/2025

  • Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT]

    MT • R

    Sponsored 6/25/2025

  • Mike Rounds

    SD • R

    Sponsored 3/9/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
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