“originally intended.”
Since they created the system as open data on open networks, their intent from the start was to make it fully accessible. This was not "unintended, it was designed in as unauthenticated and unencrypted over the objections of everyone who had any experience with data security or even with past experiences (like open cell phone conversations).
At this point neither the FAA nor the U.S. congress has any “authority” to tell worldwide users how they are supposed to use the data.
That’s WHY IT"S LAUGHABLE that the AOPA had a press release to say that they sent in a letter of protest. Sorry but it’s harder these days to suffer such blatant garbage. YMMV.
I appreciate all the engagement on this. I think GeeBee says it best. I’m under no illusion that just issuing a press release will magically resolve the issues we’re all seeing with ADS-B “abuses” but to stay silent on the issue would be doing all of us a disservice.
At AOPA, we don’t have “magical powers” but our voice does matter because we represent and advocate for a very large group of pilots and we’ll do everything we can to influence outcomes that aid in preserving and promoting the world of aviation we all love.
My press release earlier this week was simply making it known that we see the bad actions happening and are sounding the alarm. This isn’t the end, it’s the beginning of a concerted effort to help all of us on the ADS-B topic.
BTW, we agree with removing registration data from ADS-B data and will advocate to get that done, but we also believe in not abusing the ADS-B data that already exists out there today, and will fight on that front too… Thanks to all who’ve engaged on this topic! Darren
First step:
Take down the N-Number registry site and the Airmen Inquiry database site OFF the open web and keep that data internal to the FAA. That removes not only our ADS-B issues but also 99% of the security misuse of publishing pilots and aircraft owners to all creation.
Second:
Keep ADS-B open broadcasting registration numbers at that point; it’s still useful by controllers and pilots alike. With the huge security hole plugged in step 1 (that keeps outsiders from researching home addresses and pilot’s names and aircraft owners) you have time to work on encryption to further limit access to our aviation system by outsiders.
Locking down the N number registry and Airmen Inquiry database is a solid idea but that alone won’t stop ADS-B from being used against pilots in ways we never signed up for. AOPA is right to raise hell over this if we don’t push back now things will only get worse.
The problem isn’t just public lookups. ADS-B itself is an open feed and agencies lawyers and fee collectors are using it in ways that have nothing to do with safety. Pilots didn’t install this system to be tracked and fined we installed it because we were told it would make flying safer. Now that the bait and switch is clear AOPA is making noise and good on them for doing it.
I was surprised AOPA reacted to this blog but that’s a good sign it means they’re paying attention to what pilots are saying not just what’s coming out of Washington. Hopefully groups like NBAA EAA and ALPA jump in too. AOPA can’t fight this alone but if the whole aviation community puts up a wall the FAA and Congress will have to listen. The battle’s just getting started and sitting back while our flight data gets weaponized isn’t an option.
A database lockout should be done yesterday (and without announcements). Easy, doable, reasonable, simple, free.
After that rational easy first step to curb most of the abuse, then you can work on encrypted broadcasting to limit “the world” from tracking flights across the USA.
As far as the FAA using ADS-B data internally for enforcement and fines, well, that’s actually their job. I support them doing flight monitoring and enforcement because honestly, that is the “safety” that ADS-B actually does help improve upon over ground based radar sites.
Rare as it is to hear, Arthur, you hit the nail on the head this time. Lockout that data. Whoever decided to let all our private info into the public realm?
I am fortunate that my aircraft is exempt from ADS-B requirements and as long as the privacy issues continue I will not voluntarily install it. The recent mid-air accident in Arizona makes me question its effectiveness. I am also seeing an issue in pilots relying too much on ADS-B. I’ve had pilots question why they can’t see me on ADS-B, and I have to remind them to look out the window. That’s when I hear “I have you in sight”. Seems to me it is teaching pilots they no longer need to keep their heads on a swivel.