Private aircraft owners and operators can now request that their registration information be hidden from public view, following action by the FAA in line with Section 803 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. The change allows individuals to use the Civil Aviation Registry Electronic Services (CARES) to submit electronic requests to keep names and addresses off FAA websites.

The agency will seek public comment via the Federal Register on whether this removal of ownership data could affect operations such as maintenance, regulatory oversight or safety-related tasks. It is also considering making data privacy the default setting for private operators and offering a way for owners to download their details when needed.

The National Business Aviation Association welcomed the move, highlighting ongoing concerns about publicly available aircraft data being used for unauthorised surveillance.

“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,” says NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen. “We are pleased with the steps the FAA has taken to protect entrepreneurs and businesses.”