As the FAA moves to offer new privacy protections as part of the transition to ADS-B use, NBAA is advising members seeking those protections to continue participating in the existing program, the Limiting Aircraft Data Displayed (LADD), as well as add the upcoming Privacy ICAO Address (PIA) program. This will provide maximum security for members seeking to shield their travels on a real-time basis.
LADD, essentially the third iteration of the program formerly known as the Block Aircraft Registration Request (BARR), ensures flight-tracking vendors do not display real-time aircraft location information of operators who have asked for such privacy. While effective when location information is derived through radar, Brian Koester, senior manager of flight operations and regulations, notes that LADD does not prevent Mode S transponders from continuously emitting a 24 bit ICAO address that can be directly linked to identifying information. Mode S transponders with internal WAAS GPS and ADS-B Out transmitting 1090ES are among equipment used to meet the ADS-B Out 2020 mandate.
After hearing NBAA’s concern, the FAA developed the PIA program to address the “hole in the LADD program,” Koester said. Under the program, which is to be available this month, the FAA will issue operators a PIA in addition to their normal 24 bit ICAO code, he said. “Receivers that pick up the PIA will not be able to determine aircraft ownership information. However, the code will still transmit a call sign.” PIA users will need to obtain a random call sign through a service provider. Fltplan and Foreflight both provide random call signs and others are expected to also provide that service shortly.
NBAA is planning a podcast on the issue and anticipates its release for members sometime next month.