Aircraft owners fight for privacy
May 19, 2011, 12:26 pm
Members of several aviation associations have sent a letter to Congress asking for support in preserving the Block Aircraft Registration Request program, according to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. This program allows aviation owners and operators the right to opt out of having commercial flight-tracking services broadcast their aircrafts' movements to third-parties.
"The letter emphasizes the overwhelming importance of protecting the privacy of all citizens, preventing corporate espionage, and preserving the security of general aviation flight operations," said National Business Aviation Association president and CEO, Ed Bolen.
The program was originally implemented in 2000 by Congress after the advancement of computer technology allowed for-profit companies to track commercial flights, according to the NBAA. The letter serves to reinforce the belief that Americans have an expectation of privacy in their personal movements regardless of their chosen transportation method.
The Federal Aviation Association has been considering limiting BARR rights only to operators that can submit a written certification of a valid security concern, AOPA reports. The group feels that restricting these rights will hurt national security and infringe upon public privacy. Infringing on safety expectations could also cause pilot insurance rates to rise.
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