Aircraft Privacy/Security Concerns

Background:

The Block Aircraft Registration Request (BARR) program allows aircraft operators to block the location of their aircraft from public disclosure. Currently, there are public websites that track and provide details such as location, airspeed, destination and estimated time of arrival for all private aircraft tail numbers. At this time, operators have the ability to request a block of this information from public dissemination. Operators are not required to provide specific reasoning for their request. This process is enabled by the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA).

Status (as of 10/16/12):

On May 27, 2011, the Department of Transportation announced its intention to dismantle the BARR program. The NBAA opposed these changes and submitted comments to the FAA expressing its concerns. The NBAA also created a petition that the AGA signed supporting its position.

After considerable effort, the final version of the FAA Authorization bill passed in 2012 did ultimately include language protecting and maintaining the BARR program.