Bizav Association Pushes For Privacy Protection
To keep identities under wraps, operators would obtain temporary transponder codes not tied to registration numbers.
Bolen encouraged the group to continue progress on an “opt-out” solution that would enable operators to obtain a 24-bit ICAO code. Under this option, the NBAA explained, operators keep their permanent code tied to the N-number but could use the secondary temporary code that is not tied to an N-number, shielding the identity of the aircraft from outside flight-tracking programs. Operators would have the ability to request the code at least once every 30 days, the association added.
NBAA said this program would address concerns associated with data transmitted by the aircraft. “While private ADS-B receivers could still detect an aircraft flying overhead, they would not see any information allowing them to match that aircraft to the owner listed in the FAA registry,” the association said.
“Everyone agrees that a person shouldn’t need to give up his or her security when boarding an airplane,” said Bolen. “We remain committed to working with the FAA and others to ensure that operators are given an ability to opt out from having their flights tracked in real-time, basically by anyone, anywhere in the world, who happens to have the appropriate equipment for doing so, and whose intentions may be unknown.”
The industry is awaiting the release of the policy regarding this approach, and the FAA must issue a procurement for a service provider to assign temporary call signs. Policy release had been targeted for September 30 but has been pushed out in part because of the government shutdown earlier this year.