DOT Would Make It More Difficult To Block Registrations From Third Parties

AIA said Wednesday it is very concerned that a new rule proposed by the Transportation Department would constitute an unnecessary and undesirable invasion of privacy, hampering the mobility of citizens and companies. "The Block Aircraft Registration Request program functions much like a 'Do Not Call' list for private aircraft owners," said AIA President and CEO Marion C. Blakey. "The rule that the FAA is proposing would strip away that right to privacy."

Currently, private aircraft owners can choose to have access to their private travel itineraries blocked to third parties. Through its Aircraft Situation Display Information and National Airspace System Status Information data, the FAA has all the information it needs to monitor the movement of legally registered aircraft for safety and security reasons. The rule proposed in Docket No. FAA–2011–0183 would make available the personal and business itineraries of law-abiding citizens to anyone requesting them, unless the aircraft owner could demonstrate a "Valid Security Concern."

American companies need to be able to operate and explore new business opportunities free from surveillance or competitive interference. For example, under the proposed rule, business competitors would be able to track the movements of private aircraft owners, making it easier to discern their proprietary business plans.

"When Americans get in their cars, they don't have to worry that strangers are able to follow their every movement," said Blakey. "Why should citizens who fly their own aircraft be subject to such scrutiny?"

FMI: www.aia-aerospace.org