In 2020, when the FAA handed down the mandate for GA pilots to use ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance — Broadcast) as a navigation tool, pilots were assured it would only be used for improving safety for everyone in the skies. ADS-B technology, which is more accurate than radar, gives air traffic controllers a better picture of what’s happening in their air space and gives pilots better situational awareness.

However, since its introduction, some entities have begun using ADS-B monitoring for less noble purposes. In some instances, it is used to charge additional landing fees to pilots and aircraft owners using their facilities. The data has even been used to launch frivolous lawsuits against GA pilots. Left unchecked, these abuses of the technology will continue having a negative impact on the industry, and on the economy as a whole, by grounding pilots who cannot or will not pay the unjustified fees.

To help ensure ADS-B is used only for its intended purpose, Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) and Representative Bob Onder (R-MO) have introduced bills S.2175 and H.4146 to halt these abuses. The Senate and House bills seek to:

  • Prohibit the use of ADS-B data to assist in collecting fees from pilots or aircraft owners.
  • Clarify that ADS-B data may only be used for its intended purposes of air traffic safety and efficiency.
  • Give the secretary of transportation discretion to authorize other uses of ADS-B data.
  • Expand a provision to all federal, state and local entities in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 to prevent investigations from being initiated based solely on ADS-B data.
  • Ensure any new public-use airport fees are clearly stated, and require the revenue collected is used to improve air safety.

Laws preventing airports from collecting landing fees based on ADS-B data have already been passed in Montana and introduced in Minnesota. The goal is to have a federal law in place that prevents a patchwork of varied laws from state to state. “For more detailed information visit: Bills to stop ADS-B misuse introduced in Congress – AOPA