NTSB chair voices support for PAPA
AOPA plans second call to action
NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy voiced support for the Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act (PAPA) in an exchange with Sen. Ted Budd (R-N.C.) during a February 12 Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing on aviation safety and the midair collision between a military helicopter and regional jet in January 2025 that killed 67 people.
PAPA was introduced to address growing concerns over the misuse of ADS-B, an aircraft collision avoidance technology, by some airports across the country to collect fees from pilots. It was introduced by Budd and Rep. Bob Onder (R-Mo.), who are both active general aviation pilots.
During the hearing, Budd asked Homendy if the use of ADS-B Out data to assess landing fees "aligns with the intent of ADS-B?"
Homendy responded directly: “Absolutely not. ADS-B is a safety tool and it should be used for safety, not as a revenue generator to charge... general aviation pilots and others ramp fees or landing fees.”
Homendy later said she believes ADS-B-derived fees could discourage pilots from installing or using ADS-B. On PAPA, Homendy added, “I hope it moves because I think it should be prohibited.”
At the same time, AOPA is preparing to issue a second call to action to members—urging them to contact their members of Congress to cosponsor PAPA.
“Many AOPA members reached out to their congressional representatives with our first call to action a few weeks ago,” said AOPA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Advocacy Jim Coon. “I cannot thank them enough, but members of Congress need to continue to hear our collective voice on this issue just like they did with third class medical reform and stopping ATC privatization. It makes a huge difference. ADS-B technology should be used for safety purposes and not airport economics.”
