FAA proposal to remove blocking of flight information

[Chris Kennedy]

This would be good news for those of us who use FlightAware, if it should go through.

http://www.generalaviationnews.com/2011/03/10/proposed-dot-rule-invasion-of-privacy/

[scottcolbath]

This would be good news for those of us who use FlightAware, if it should go through.

http://www.generalaviationnews.com/2011/03/10/proposed-dot-rule-invasion-of-privacy/

Slippery slope in my opinion.

S.C.

[Chris Kennedy]

The House version of the FAA Reauthorization Bill contains a section that appears to block this from happening. I don't think it's in the Senate version, but it's now up to the conference committee to include it or not. I think, considering the money and political power of the companies and organizations that are against release of the data, the proposed rule change will probably get shot down.

Too bad for us plane watchers.

[Chris Kennedy]

The FAA has finalized this proposal. It will take effect in 60 days, unless Congress bans the change, which could certainly happen. The House version of the FAA Re-authorization bill does so, but that seems to be stuck in the conference committee. The various alphabetic groups like the NBAA are up in arms about it.

http://www.faa.gov/news/press_releases/news_story.cfm?newsId=12743

[Jay Beckman]

It would be nice if the current administration did this for real "transparency" and not as just a way for special interest groups to keep tabs on CEOs and such.

I'll bet anyone a dollar that despite this being good for spotting / photography, it will play right into the hands of everyone out there who thinks GA is evil and that rich people should have their "toys" taken from them.

[Chris Kennedy]

I didn't see it, but apparently the Wall Street Journal obtained all of the FAA records on blocked aircraft for the last four years via a Freedom of Information Act request and published an article about aircraft usage by the large corporations. So it is possible for the press and others to get the numbers even with the data blocked, if they go that route.

[Chris Kennedy]

I still think it will be blocked by Congress.

[Joe Copalman]

All good points, Jay.

Additionally, I'm a little creeped-out by the broad language Secretary LaHood used to justify the change: "Both general aviation and commercial aircraft use the public airspace and air traffic control facilities, and the public has a right to information about their activities."  Most roads are public, does the public have a right to information on our driving activities as well?  I just don't like where this logic could take us, y'know?

[Jay Beckman]

"Taxed By The Mile" .. It's already being discussed so yeah, I'd say someone wants open access to our driving habits as well.

[Joe Copalman]

¡Válgame Dios!