Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Matt Thurber

In an update to its Privacy ICAO Address (PIA) program, the FAA has enabled CPDLC, exempted PIA-associated aircraft info from Freedom of Information Act requests, and changed the new request interval to 20 days.&nbsp;The FAA created the <a href="https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/technology/equipadsb/privacy/PIA%20User%20Guide_October%202024_Update_Final_1.pdf">PIA program</a> to help aircraft operators who prefer not to broadcast identifying information along with their ADS-B Out position information, via transmission of the aircraft’s unique ICAO address.
While PIA doesn’t prevent tracking of an aircraft’s position, it does limit “the extent to which the aircraft can be quickly and easily identified by non-U.S. government entities, while ensuring there is no adverse effect on air traffic control (ATC) services,” according to the FAA.&nbsp;
PIA participants must use a third-party call sign, which is available from a third-party call sign provider that has a security agreement with the FAA. With this call sign, operators can maintain privacy when communicating with the FAA and the FAA can still identify the aircraft and operator in response to a request from the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, or local law enforcement.&nbsp;
To use the service, operators must input “the PIA and third-party call sign in avionics exactly as filed in the ICAO flight plan,” according to the FAA. “The aircraft operator will not be permitted to change the&nbsp;PIA&nbsp;or the third-party call sign in-flight.”
The controller-pilot datalink communications (CPDLC) capability now allows PIA participants to receive CPDLC services when participating in the PIA program.&nbsp;PIA is only available to U.S.-registered aircraft with 1090-MHz ADS-B Out flying in U.S.-managed flight information regions, and the third-party call sign is required.&nbsp;

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

FAA Updates ADS-B Privacy ICAO Address Program To Enhance Operator Privacy

Participants' information is no longer subject to Freedom of Information Act requests

The FAA created the PIA program to help aircraft operators who prefer not to broadcast identifying information along with their ADS-B Out position information, via transmission of the aircraft’s unique ICAO address. 

FAA Updates ADS-B Privacy ICAO Address Program

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Robert Sancetta

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

If a pilot has to ask, they probably should stay grounded for now

AINsight: Could You Be Too Sick to Fly?

AmyWilder

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Coalition questions Ligado’s device availability claims 

NBAA, Others Push FCC To Probe Ligado Compliance Claims

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

But new color vision testing will still go into effect January 1

FAA Delays Aeromed Certification Policy Change

Curt Epstein

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Enhanced vigilance will last until mid-January

Mexico’s AFAC Ramps Up Ramp Inspections

Kerry Lynch

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

More In Regulations and Government

AINsight: Could You Be Too Sick to Fly?

If a pilot has to ask, they probably should stay grounded for now

NBAA, Others Push FCC To Probe Ligado Compliance Claims

Coalition questions Ligado’s device availability claims

FAA Delays Aeromed Certification Policy Change

But new color vision testing will still go into effect January 1

Mexico’s AFAC Ramps Up Ramp Inspections

Enhanced vigilance will last until mid-January

Graves Set To Continue as House Transportation Chair

A pilot, Graves is active in general aviation

Former Bizjet Escrow Exec Sentenced in Drug Scheme

Judge gives sentence of 16 years in federal prison

NBAA: Be Prepared for Ownership Reporting Requirements

Legal experts caution that further court action could be ahead

Honeywell Board Examines Separation of Aerospace Unit

Honeywell plans updates on aerospace decision by Q4 2024

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