You own a plane. That's exciting! But here's something you might not know: until recently, anyone could look up your name, home address, and phone number just by typing in your plane's tail number. Yes, really. The Federal Aviation Administration kept all that information out on the internet for anyone to see. 

According to Aviation Week, about 200 aircraft owners had already removed their information by mid-2025, including several Fortune 500 companies. That number keeps growing as more people learn they can now protect their privacy. The rules changed in early 2025, and now you can ask the FAA to hide your personal details from public websites. Let's look at why this information used to be out in the open and what finally changed.

Key Takeaways

You can now request to withhold aircraft ownership data by creating an account on the FAA's CARES system and uploading a digitally-signed PDF letter asking to remove your name and address from public view. The process became available in March 2025 through new federal privacy rules. You'll need special digital signature software (not just typing your name), and the whole thing takes about 30 minutes to complete once you have everything ready.

Why Aircraft Owner Information Used to Be Public

The aircraft registry started keeping records public for a good reason. Think about buying a used car. You want to know who owns it, right? You want to see if anyone has a loan on it. You need to make sure the person selling it actually has the right to sell it.

Planes work the same way. When someone buys an aircraft, they need to check the records. They look for:

• Who really owns the plane
• If any banks have loans against it
• If there are any legal problems with the ownership
• The complete history of who owned it before

The civil aviation registry kept all this information from public view so buyers could protect themselves. It helped stop fraud. Imagine if someone tried to sell you a plane they didn't actually own. You could catch that by checking the public records.

This system worked well for many years. Aviation lawyers and title companies used these records every single day. They would search the registry before closing a sale. They would verify ownership. They would check for liens.

But here's what changed: the internet made everything too easy to find. In the old days, you had to mail a request to the FAA and wait for papers to come back. It took effort. Now? Anyone can type a tail number into a search box and instantly see your home address. That's where the problem started.

The Problem: When Public Records Become a Safety Risk

Real people got hurt by having their information so easy to find. Let's talk about what actually happened.

Celebrity Tracking Became a Sport

College student Jack Sweeney started tracking celebrity planes on social media. He followed Taylor Swift's jet. He tracked Elon Musk's flights. He posted where they were going in real time. Millions of people followed these accounts. Taylor Swift's lawyers sent him a letter saying this tracking helped stalkers find her. Meta eventually shut down his Instagram accounts because of safety concerns.

Business Competitors Started Spying

About ten years ago, a restaurant supply company CEO found out his competitors were tracking his plane. They watched where he flew. They figured out which customers he was visiting. They tried to steal his business deals. This wasn't about being famous. This was about someone using public flight data to hurt his company.

Wounded Veterans Got Harassed

Military members coming home from war were tracked by anti-war protesters. These protesters looked up military flight records. They showed up at home airports to confront wounded veterans. The veterans couldn't even come home in peace.

Safety Threats Got Real

Martha King runs a pilot training school. She had unstable fans who tracked her down using aircraft registration information. One person showed up at her location unannounced and threatened her. She said, "Privacy sounds abstract, but it got personal for us very fast."

The FAA website made all of this possible. The registry wasn't designed for this kind of tracking. It was built to help with aircraft sales and safety. But technology turned it into a stalking tool.

What Changed in 2025

Congress finally did something about it. They passed the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, and President Biden signed it into law in May 2024. This is Public Law 118-63, and it added important privacy protections.

The New Rules Started March 28, 2025

On that day, the FAA announced that private aircraft owners could start asking to hide their personal data. The law is now part of Title 49 of the United States Code, Section 44114(b). This means it's permanent federal law.

What the Law Says

The law tells the FAA to create a way for aircraft owners to withhold their personally identifiable information from "broad dissemination or display." Here's what can be hidden:

• Your full name (if you're a person, not a company)
• Your home or business address
• Your phone number
• Your email address

The physical tail number painted on your plane still has to stay visible. That's required for safety. But the FAA doesn't have to publish who owns that tail number anymore.

The FAA Asked for Public Input

The FAA published a request for comment in the Federal Register in April 2025. They wanted to hear from everyone about how this change would affect them. They asked questions like:

• How will this affect people buying and selling planes?
• Will this make it harder to do maintenance and safety checks?
• Should they make privacy the default instead of making people ask for it?

Airport managers worried about billing. Title companies worried about doing their job. But the comment period closed in June 2025, and the program kept moving forward.

Processing Started Right Away

The FAA began processing privacy requests on April 24, 2025. People started seeing their names disappear from the public view on FAA websites. Some aircraft owners reported their information got hidden within a few weeks. Others are still waiting.

The FAA also said they're thinking about making privacy automatic. Instead of asking people to electronically request privacy, everyone might get privacy by default in the future. Owners could then choose to make their information public if they wanted to. That change hasn't happened yet, but it's being considered.

Important Thing to Know

This only affects what the FAA shows on its websites. It doesn't erase information that's already out on other websites. It doesn't stop flight tracking from other sources. But it's a big first step toward protecting your privacy in aviation.

The law requires the FAA to keep improving this system. They have to make sure it works well. They have to balance privacy with safety and regulatory compliance. It's a work in progress, but the door to privacy is finally open.

How to Hide Your Aircraft Owner Information (Step-by-Step)

Here’s exactly how to protect your information. This process takes about 30 minutes if you have everything ready. Don't worry—I'll explain each part.

What You Need Before You Start

Get these things ready first:

• Your aircraft details: Write down your N-number (tail number) and serial number. You'll find these on your registration certificate.
• An email address: You need this to create your account. Use one you check regularly.
• A smartphone: You'll set up two-factor authentication, which is like an extra lock on your account.
• Digital signature software: This is the tricky part. You CANNOT just type your name. You need real digital signature software like Adobe Sign, DocuSign, or similar programs. Free electronic signature tools won't work.

Step 1: Create Your CARES Account

Go to cares.faa.gov on your computer. Click the button that says "Sign Up" or "Create Account."

Fill in your information:

• Your name
• Email address
• Create a password

Next, you'll set up two-factor authentication. The system will ask you to download an app like Google Authenticator or Okta. This app creates special codes that keep your account safe. Follow the instructions on screen. Your phone will show you a new code every 30 seconds.

Once you're logged in, you'll see your CARES dashboard. This is your home base. Take a minute to look around so you know where things are.

Step 2: Prepare Your Request Letter

Open a document program like Microsoft Word or Google Docs. You're going to write a simple letter. Here's what to include:

Your header information:

• Today's date
• Your full legal name
• Your mailing address

The body of your letter:

"Dear Federal Aviation Administration,

I am writing to electronically request that the Federal Aviation Administration withhold my name and address from public dissemination through the civil aviation registry and any other publicly accessible records.

My aircraft information:

• N-Number: [Your tail number]
• Serial Number: [Your serial number]
• Registered Owner: [Your legal name]

I understand this request only relates to the privacy of my ownership data. It does not affect my aircraft registration status. I am making this request under 49 U.S.C. § 44114(b).

Please contact me at [your phone] or [your email] if you need additional information.

Sincerely, [Your name]"

Keep it simple. The FAA doesn't need fancy language. They just need the facts.

Step 3: Get a Digital Signature

This is where people get stuck. You need a REAL digital signature, not just typing your name in a cursive font. Here's the difference:

Electronic signature (WON'T WORK):

• Just typing your name
• Using a stylus to sign on screen
• Clicking "I agree"

Digital signature (WILL WORK):

• Shows a timestamp of when you signed
• Shows authentication marks from the software
• Shows a seal or watermark from the program
• Includes an authentication code

Programs that create real digital signatures:

• Adobe Acrobat Pro (paid)
• DocuSign (paid)
• PandaDoc (paid)
• RightSignature (paid)

Yes, you might need to pay for this. Free versions usually don't include the authentication features the FAA requires. But you only need it once, so you could pay for one month and then cancel.

Save your letter as a PDF. Then open it in your digital signature software. Follow that program's instructions to add your digital signature. The signature should show your name, the date, the time, and some kind of authentication mark that proves it's really you.

Step 4: Upload Your Request Through CARES

Log back into your CARES account. This navigation is specific, so follow carefully:

1. Click "Get Started"
2. Click "Aircraft Services"
3. Click "Submit Other Aircraft Documents"
4. Under "Request Type," choose "Other Supporting Documents"
5. Under "Document Type," choose "Other"
6. Click "Upload File"
7. Find your PDF letter and select it
8. Click "Continue"
9. Complete the attestation (you're confirming everything is true)
10. Click "Submit"

You should see a confirmation message. Write down any confirmation number they give you. Take a screenshot of the confirmation screen just in case.

Step 5: Wait for Processing

The FAA doesn't send confirmation emails to everyone. Some people reported their information disappeared from the FAA website without any notice. Here's how to check if it worked:

Go to the FAA aircraft registry search at registry.faa.gov. Type in your tail number. If you see "Information Withheld" or similar text where your name used to be, it worked!

If you still see your information after six weeks, call the Aircraft Registration Branch at 1-866-762-9434. They can check on your request.

Understanding What This Does (and Doesn't) Protect

Let's be very clear about what you're getting here. This helps your privacy, but it's not a magic shield.

What Gets Hidden

Your personal data disappears from these places:

• The main FAA website aircraft search
• Online registry reports that pull from FAA data
• Any public display on FAA systems

Government agencies can still see your information. The FAA shares data with:

• Department of Homeland Security
• Transportation Security Administration
• Air traffic control systems
• Other government agencies for regulatory compliance

This sharing is built into the law. The FAA needs to tell air traffic control who's flying. Homeland Security needs to track who owns aircraft. These agencies still get your full details.

What This Doesn't Fix

Here are the gaps in your privacy protection:

Old Information Stays Out There

Websites like FlightAware and others already copied your information years ago. They scraped the FAA database and saved everything. Your name and address might still be on dozens of aviation websites, message boards, and databases. The FAA can't force those sites to delete that information.

Third-Party Flight Tracking Continues

People track flights using ADS-B receivers. These are small boxes that pick up signals from airplane transponders. The boxes don't use FAA data at all. They receive signals directly from planes flying overhead. Jack Sweeney, the college student who tracked Taylor Swift, said he has over 800 people feeding him ADS-B data from around the world. Hiding your info from the aircraft registry doesn't stop this kind of tracking.

Physical Observation Still Works

Someone can sit at an airport with binoculars and write down tail numbers. They can photograph planes. They can watch when you take off and land. There's no law against that. Your tail number is painted on the outside of your plane for everyone to see.

Document Room Access Unclear

The FAA has a physical document room in Oklahoma City. Aviation lawyers and title companies can request paper copies of aircraft records. It's still not clear if your privacy request affects these paper records. The FAA hasn't published final guidance on this yet.

Other Privacy Tools You Should Know About

The new FAA Reauthorization law created one privacy tool. But two other programs existed before this. Using all three together gives you the best protection.

LADD (Limiting Aircraft Data Displayed)

This program blocks your flight tracking data. It's completely different from hiding your aircraft registration information.

Here's how LADD works: The FAA collects flight data from air traffic control radars. They package this data and send it to websites like FlightAware, FlightRadar24, and others. Those websites then show your flights to the public. LADD stops the FAA from sharing your flight data with these websites.

You have three LADD options:

FAA Source Blocking

• The FAA doesn't share your flight data with anyone
• You can't track your own flights on any website
• This is maximum privacy

Subscriber Level Blocking

• The FAA still shares your data, but websites can't show it publicly
• You can pay a website to give you private access to your own flights
• Good if you want to track yourself but not let others track you

No Blocking

• Everyone can see your flights
• This is the default if you don't sign up for LADD

To apply for LADD, go to ladd.faa.gov or email ladd@faa.gov. The application is simpler than the registry privacy request. You can do it online in about 10 minutes.

Important: LADD only affects websites that use FAA data. It doesn't stop people with private ADS-B receivers.

PIA (Privacy ICAO Address)

Every aircraft has a unique identification code called an ICAO address. It's like a serial number that your plane's transponder broadcasts. This code is how tracking websites identify your specific plane.

The PIA program lets you change this code temporarily. You can request a new code every 20 days. This masks your aircraft's identity from tracking systems.

But PIA has requirements:

• You must use a third-party call sign for flight plans
• Your plane needs a 1090 MHz ADS-B transponder
• It only works in United States airspace
• You need to reprogram your transponder, which requires maintenance

PIA is complicated and costs money. Most small aircraft owners skip it. It's mainly useful for people who face serious security threats.

Using All Three Together

Think of these programs like layers of security on your home:

1. Registry privacy = Hiding your name from the phone book
2. LADD = Closing your curtains so people can't see inside
3. PIA = Changing your house number every few weeks

None of them are perfect alone. Together, they make it much harder to track you. If someone really wants to find you, they probably still can. But you've made it harder for casual trackers and automated systems.

Extra Steps for Maximum Privacy

Want to go further? Here are the advanced moves that wealthy individuals and corporations use.

Set Up an LLC or Trust to Own Your Aircraft

Instead of registering the plane in your personal name, create a special company just to own the aircraft. This adds a legal layer between you and the public record.

How an LLC works:

• You create a limited liability company with a generic name
• The LLC owns the plane
• Your personal name doesn't appear on the registration at all
• You use the LLC's address instead of your home address

Example: Instead of "John Smith" owning the plane, "Blue Sky Holdings LLC" owns it. The public sees Blue Sky Holdings, not John Smith.

Aviation lawyers can set this up for you. It costs money—usually $1,000 to $3,000 depending on your state and the complexity. But it's one of the strongest privacy protections available.

Understand Historical Data Doesn't Disappear

Let's say you bought your plane five years ago. Your name has been public on the FAA website all that time. During those five years, dozens of websites copied that information. Some websites archive old FAA data and sell access to it.

Even after you hide your current information, those old copies stay out there. You can't make them disappear. Some options:

• Data removal services: Companies like DeleteMe and Privacy Bee try to remove your information from data broker websites. They charge monthly fees.
• Direct contact: You can email websites individually and ask them to remove your information. Some will, some won't.
• Wait it out: Over time, old information becomes less relevant and harder to find.

Work With Aviation Lawyers for Complex Situations

If you have a complicated ownership situation, get professional help. Examples of complex situations:

• Multiple owners on one aircraft
• Corporate ownership with multiple shareholders
• Aircraft registered in a non-citizen trust
• Leased aircraft where you're the lessee, not the owner

Aviation lawyers know the rules. They know how to structure ownership for maximum privacy while staying legal. They can handle the paperwork and deal with the FAA directly. If privacy is critical for your safety or business, the lawyer's fee is worth it.

Who This Helps Most

This privacy program matters for different people for different reasons. Let's look at who benefits the most.

Business Executives and Their Companies

CEOs and senior executives travel to visit customers, partners, and acquisition targets. Competitors watch these flight patterns. They figure out who you're meeting with. They try to steal deals.

One restaurant supply company CEO had competitors tracking his flights to identify his customers. They used this intelligence to undercut his prices. The Federal Register documented cases like this when explaining why Congress passed the privacy law.

For business aviation, privacy isn't about vanity. It's about protecting competitive information.

High-Profile Individuals and Celebrities

Taylor Swift's lawyers argued that publishing her flight data helped stalkers locate her. Elon Musk said the same thing about threats to his family. When you're famous, any information about your location becomes a security problem.

But it's not just mega-celebrities. Local news anchors, successful business owners, and minor public figures all face unwanted attention. Making it harder to track them reduces risk.

Anyone Concerned About Stalking or Safety

You don't need to be famous to have someone obsessed with you. Domestic violence victims sometimes flee abusers who then search for them. People with restraining orders against ex-partners need privacy.

Martha King's situation proves this—she wasn't a celebrity, just a successful pilot instructor. But unstable people fixated on her and used the aircraft registry to track her down.

Companies Worried About Competitor Spying

Corporate espionage is real. Companies track rival executives. They monitor who's flying where. They use this information to anticipate business moves.

By hiding ownership information, companies make it harder for competitors to connect specific aircraft to specific executives. Combined with LADD blocking of flight data, this provides meaningful protection for business intelligence.

The beauty of the new system is that you don't need to prove you face a threat. You don't need to be rich or famous. Any private aircraft owners can request privacy. The FAA asks no questions. They just process your request and hide your information.

Conclusion

Protecting your privacy as an aircraft owner used to be nearly impossible. The FAA published everyone's personal information for the world to see. But the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 changed that. Now you can request to withhold your name and address from public view. The process takes less than an hour if you have the right tools.

Remember the three-layer approach: hide your registry information through CARES, block your flight tracking through LADD, and consider PIA if you need maximum protection. Each layer makes it harder for people to track you. None of them are perfect, but together they give you real privacy.

The most important thing is taking action. Your information is sitting on the FAA website right now. Anyone can look it up. Anyone can find your home address. The FAA won't hide it unless you ask.

Start today. Create your CARES account. Write your letter. Get it digitally signed. Upload it to the system. In a few weeks, your personal data will disappear from public FAA databases. You'll have more privacy and more peace of mind.

Ready to learn more about aircraft ownership and aviation news? Visit Flying411 for expert guides, market insights, and the latest updates on aviation regulations. We help aircraft owners navigate every aspect of flying, from buying your first plane to protecting your privacy in the digital age.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still sell my aircraft if I've hidden my ownership information?

Yes, you can absolutely sell your aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration still maintains your complete records—they're just hidden from public websites. When you're ready to sell, you can work with a title company or aviation attorney who will handle the paperwork. Buyers and their representatives can still verify ownership and check for liens through proper legal channels. You might need to provide temporary access to your information during the sale process. Some experts recommend temporarily making your information public during a sale and then re-hiding it afterward. Talk to your title company about the best approach for your situation.

Does this privacy protection work if my aircraft is owned by a corporation or LLC?

The law specifically mentions "private aircraft owners," which creates some confusion. Early results show that the FAA is processing privacy requests for both individuals and corporate-owned aircraft, but official guidance remains unclear. Several Fortune 500 companies have successfully removed their information from public view. However, Public Law 118-63's exact definition of "private aircraft owner" hasn't been fully clarified. If you own through a corporation, trust, or LLC, you should still submit a request. The FAA is likely to approve it based on current patterns. Just be aware that future rule changes might affect corporate privacy protections differently than individual protections.

What happens to information that's already been published on other websites?

Unfortunately, hiding your information from the aircraft registry doesn't erase copies that already exist elsewhere. Flight tracking websites, aviation forums, and data broker sites probably have your old information stored. The FAA can only control its own databases. You have a few options: contact websites directly and request removal, hire a data removal service to scrub your information from multiple sites, or simply wait as old information becomes less relevant over time. The sooner you hide your information from the FAA, the less it will spread to new websites going forward. Think of this as stopping the leak, not cleaning up what already spilled.

How long does the privacy protection last, and do I need to renew it?

Once approved, your privacy protection continues indefinitely. You don't need to renew it annually or reapply. The FAA keeps your information hidden until you specifically tell them to make it public again. If you sell your aircraft, the new owner would need to submit their own privacy request if they want protection. If you change your address or other details, your privacy settings remain in place—you just need to update your information through the normal FAA channels. The system is designed to be permanent unless you actively choose to reverse it. Keep your CARES account login information safe so you can manage your privacy settings in the future.

Can international pilots or foreign-registered aircraft use this privacy program?

No, this program only applies to aircraft registered in United States under Title 49 of the United States Code. If your aircraft has an N-number registration (which all U.S.-registered aircraft have), you qualify regardless of your citizenship status. However, if your aircraft is registered in another country, you cannot use the FAA's privacy program. You would need to check with your country's civil aviation authority to see what privacy protections they offer. For U.S.-registered aircraft owned by non-citizens (through approved trust structures), you should be able to submit a privacy request. The law focuses on the aircraft registration location, not the owner's citizenship. Contact the Aircraft Registration Branch if you have questions about your specific situation.