FAA Announces New Rules to Protect Private Aircraft Owners’ Identities
Tracking private flights of celebrities and politicians could become more challenging as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) introduces new regulations designed to protect the identities of aircraft owners. On March 28, 2025, the FAA unveiled plans that will allow private aircraft owners to request that their ownership details, including names and addresses, remain confidential and not be made available to the public.
This move is part of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, specifically Section 803, which focuses on data privacy. While the FAA has not directly linked the new rule to celebrity or politician concerns, it is expected to make tracking private flights more difficult. High-profile individuals such as SpaceX’s Elon Musk and pop star Taylor Swift have previously expressed concerns about the risks associated with their private aircraft being publicly monitored.
Beginning on March 28, 2025, private aircraft owners will have the option to submit a request through the Civil Aviation Registry Electronic Services (CARES) to have their aircraft registration details withheld from public access. This change is expected to enhance privacy for owners who have expressed security concerns about flight-tracking.
The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has voiced support for the FAA’s decision, applauding it as a step toward limiting “flight-stalking.” NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen highlighted the significance of the bipartisan legislation that made this move possible, noting that it helps ensure greater security for business owners across the country. “Security is a huge issue for companies large and small, all across the country, which is one of the reasons Congress passed bipartisan legislation requiring the FAA to strengthen the protections for aircraft ownership information and flight-data,” Bolen said.
Looking ahead, the FAA is evaluating the possibility of making the withholding of personally identifiable information from public aircraft registries a default practice for private aircraft owners. Additionally, the FAA plans to offer a way for owners to access their data when necessary.
The agency is also seeking public feedback on the potential effects of removing ownership information from the registry. This feedback will be collected through a request for comment in the Federal Register, where the FAA will consider how such changes could impact critical functions such as maintenance, safety checks, and regulatory compliance.
With these new rules, the FAA is taking steps to balance privacy and security concerns, offering private aircraft owners more control over their personal information while also considering the implications for industry stakeholders.
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