All members of the skydiving community rely on the safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System every day. However, a growing trend in how flight data is being used now threatens the privacy and financial sustainability of parachute operations across the country. We are calling on you to join our partners at the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) in supporting the Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act (S.2175 in the Senate and H.R.4146 in the House).
Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) was implemented to enhance mid-air safety and situational awareness, unfortunately, third party entities have begun using this safety data for non-safety purposes, specifically to track aircraft for the automated collection and monetization of airport landing fees.
For parachute operators, who often perform high-frequency takeoffs and landings, this automated tracking can lead to unfair and burdensome fee structures. Representative Bob Onder (R-Mo.) recently noted, using ADS-B data to monetize landing fees discourages pilots from using the very safety technology meant to prevent collisions.
S.2175 / H.R.4146 ensures that ADS-B data remains focused on its original intent: air traffic safety and airspace efficiency. To be clear: This bill does not prohibit airports from charging fees, nor does it interfere with popular flight-tracking apps like FlightAware. It simply prohibits the government and third parties from using ADS-B data as a tool for aircraft data collection for the purpose of fee collection.
How You Can Help
We need your voice to ensure Congress understands that safety data should never be used as a digital toll collector. Please take five minutes today to contact your Congressional lawmakers and urge them to co-sponsor and support the Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act.
1. Find your Representative and Senators: Click the link and enter your mailing address to find your Congressional lawmakers contact information. Please email and/or call and deliver the message below.
2. The Message: "I am a constituent and a member of the United States Parachute Association. I am calling to urge you to support S.2175/H.R.4146, the Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act. It is vital that we protect ADS-B safety data from being misused for fee collection, which unfairly impacts parachute operators and general aviation pilots in our district."
By standing together, we can ensure that our technology continues to serve our safety, not a bottom line.