Arizona legislation would limit ADS-B misuse
More states considering bills, AOPA seeks national solution
A bill authored by local pilot CJ deVries and introduced by state Rep. Matt Gress (R-District 4) would prohibit the state, its political subdivisions, or private entities from using information transmitted through an aircraft collision avoidance safety system known as ADS-B to collect airport fees from aircraft owners or operators.
Landing fees, specifically those collected via automated systems that monitor ADS-B, have become a rising concern among owners and operators across the country as more airports impose or consider implementing new fees.
The FAA’s ADS-B mandate became effective in 2020 for aircraft operating in certain classes of airspace, and since then almost 112,000 general aviation aircraft have been equipped with the technology at a direct cost to aircraft owners of over $500 million. The GA community supported the mandate under the assurance that ADS-B data would be used solely for air traffic safety and efficiency.
The legislation, introduced January 15 and supported by aviation safety and pilot industry groups, is cosponsored by Reps. Neal Carter (R-District 15) and Laurin Hendrix (R-District 14), as well as by Sens. Hildy Angius (R-District 30) and Carine Werner (R-District 4).
Arizona’s move follows a similar effort in Montana and other states. Drafted by longtime AOPA member and state Rep. Shane Klakken (R-Grass Range), the Montana bill prohibits the use of ADS-B data to assess landing fees on certain FAR Part 91 (non-business) GA flights.
On a national level, AOPA is urging its members to take action and encourage their representatives in Congress to cosponsor the Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act (PAPA), Senate Bill S.2175 and House Bill H.R.4146. Sponsored by U.S. Sen. Ted Budd (R-N.C.) and Rep. Bob Onder (R-Mo.), both active pilots, PAPA seeks to ensure ADS-B data is used for its intended safety purpose and not for fee collection or opening investigations. The bill would not prevent airports from imposing fees, as long as they are fair, reasonable, transparent, and assessed without using ADS-B data.
