Tail # Blocking

[74657]

After successfully blocking the tail number on my plane for a month, the FAA threw a wrench in the mix and the block was lifted.  I submitted the original request through NBAA's BARR program.  If you want to block the tail number now you need to go directly to the FAA and request.  We will see if it goes through......

[GeorgePerry]

Interested in hearing how this works out...I'm a big fan of personal privacy, so it'll be good if the FAA is cooperative.

[74657]

Agreed George.  My letter stated that there was a verified security concern regarding my business operations and it was necessary that my planes movements be blocked by 3rd parties such as flight aware.  I have not asked for a complete block so my family can still track the plane while it is flying.

[74657]

I just heard back from the FAA.  My request has been granted and will be blocked effective Sept. 1st. 

[rbridges]

I never heard of that.  Does that keep someone from finding out info about your plane through the FAA, or does it notify ATC not to report your tail # to 3rd parties?

[74657]

Both.  You can block it at the FAA level so noone can track anything or you can block it at the ASDI level that limits access to flight tracking.  I can submit a letter to the ASDI vendors and grant access for certain users to access my information (friends/family/business associates/etc).  If it were blocked at the FAA level NOONE can access the info.  Mine will be blocked at the ASDI level tomorrow.  My buddy has a Cherokee 6 and submitted his letter yesterday.  He got an email back a few hours later that said his request was approved and will be effective Oct. 6th. 

[FlyDave]

fltplan.com has some sort of service providing tracking under an alias'ed N-Number. Also, you can track your blocked N-Numbers.

I haven't looked into it but here's the info from their website:

a.) Fly using a FltPlan.com Call Sign.  (Call 1-731-855-8000) b.) Track up to 10 of your Blocked Aircraft on the FAA's new Certified Security Concern list, for only $14.95/mo.   (Call 1-203-262-8900).

[M20E4ME]

I am composing a letter for our a/c. Can you guys verify what you wrote for the ASDI block? I see on FAA site that they say to request prior to releasing the info, but wouldn't it already be released?....I don't get this. Is this if you just bought it? or are the 3rd parties updated daily/weekly/monthy?? Also, how can my wife track the flight if they grant the block? Thanks guys

[74657]

Quote: M20E4ME

I am composing a letter for our a/c. Can you guys verify what you wrote for the ASDI block? I see on FAA site that they say to request prior to releasing the info, but wouldn't it already be released?....I don't get this. Is this if you just bought it? or are the 3rd parties updated daily/weekly/monthy?? Also, how can my wife track the flight if they grant the block? Thanks guys

[flight2000]

So if the FAA is allowing these to be blocked that easily now, what was (or is) all the fuss about with the NBAA and the lawsuits?

Brian

[74657]

The FAA cracked down and required people who wanted their tail numbers blocked to have a Certified Security Concern.  In reading the rhetoric on the NBAA site it is easy to see why nothing gets done in Washington.  As soon as someone stops something, someone else comes up with a way around it....

[M20E4ME]

Quote: 74657

 PM me your email address and I will forward you the letter I sent.  You can block it at the FAA or can block it from 3rd party ASDI services such as flightaware.  As far as I know there is not expiration.  If you want family or other authorized people to track your a/c you need to apply for the 3rd party block and then contact the ASDI provider of your choice and write to them granting access for the list of usernames you provide. 

Blocking the tail number is easy.  The FAA granted my block in less than 24 hours and was effective the first day of the next month. 

[GeorgePerry]

http://www.aero-news.net/EmailArticle.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=d33bac1d-aa3a-4458-901d-e40d92f8aaa6

GA aircraft not longer have to "justify" tail # blocking.  Just request it and stay off flight aware.

[carusoam]

Privacy returned!!!

Nice find George.  I was seriously concerned that privacy of where I was going had been eliminated.  Seemed awfully unamerican that I needed a valid security concern to enjoy normal levels of privacy.

 

Best regards,

-a-

[John Pleisse]

********************UPDATE****************** FEBRUARY 2013************************

 

Everything has changed. I will also post the new URL in a post to follow. Here is the new departmental FAA contact (e-mail is best):

 

Damon Thomas
Program Analyst,
Data Management (AJR-D)
ATO System Operations Services
Federal Aviation Administration
Washington, DC 20591
T:  202.267.5300
M: 301.538.9518
E:  damon.thomas@faa.gov

[Piloto]

Keep in mind that if your plane is mode S or ADS-B equipped the tail number is broadcasted by your transponder. Anyone with an Avidyne TCAS or an ADS-B receiver can read your N number up to 100+ miles away. Another way to avoid being shown on Flightaware is not to file a flight plan or do not use flight following service. 

 

José 

[John Pleisse]

Here is the new URL:

 

http://www.fly.faa.gov/ASDI/asdi.html

[Txbyker]

I am considering blocking my tail number. You can permit certain individuals, family, etc to still track you through Flightaware however Flightaware wants $720 annually plus a $250 setup fee to limit views. I don't understand what they do within their data services to generate that kind of fee. Does anyone have their tail blocked and if so how do you allow certain people to track you? Maybe there is an iPhone app that will suffice.

[John Pleisse]

PM me. The FAA now does this upon written request. No yearly renewal, no joining the NBAA. I'll try and find the e-mail thread I used for this purpose and forward to you.

[Bennett]

I did this some time ago with a simple letter to the FAA. Of course now that I have ADS-B in/ out this is pretty well nullified for other aircraft in range, but at least it is my choice to remove the tail number from the public via FAA databases.

[Txbyker]

From what I have read the FAA now has a simple website email request. http://www.nbaa.org/ops/security/barr/new-process/

[tomn]

I have seen somewhere an ad or article for a tracking device with service that you can subscribe to other than Spidertracks that I thought at the time was more reasonable for general aviation use. Anyone know what this is or what is available - I did not find anything on a quick google search.

Tom

[tomn]

Found it - SPOT. Anyone use this?

[Oscar Avalle]

I use spot. It works well but is not designed for airplane use. It sends a message every ten minutes or so . Thus you get tracking points that are far apart but otherwise it works great.

[Scott Aviation]

I have the spot connect that connect to my iphone. I can send personal emails to friends and family to advise of departure and arrival. And enroute info. It's $99 and $99 a year subscription. The new spot coming out this fall will have the ability to report every 3-5-10 minutes from what I remember at Oshkosh. Much better for mooney tracking. Your spot sends out a web page link with bread crumb trails on google maps . It's excellent.