The Blubber

Private aircraft owners can now request that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) withhold their names, addresses, and other identifying information from public records that link them to their planes.

The move comes in response to legislation passed last year that directed the FAA to create a process for handling such requests. The change could make it more difficult for the public to identify private aircraft owners and track their flight activity.

In recent years, social media accounts and services dedicated to tracking private planes have become increasingly popular. These platforms often provide insight into the movements of high-profile individuals or hints at potential mergers and acquisitions.

However, such tracking has drawn backlash from some private jet owners. Tesla CEO Elon Musk — whose private jet is frequently monitored — has publicly criticized jet-tracking accounts. After acquiring Twitter (now known as X), Musk banned several accounts from the platform that tracked private jet movements, including his own.

Similarly, attorneys for pop superstar Taylor Swift last year demanded that a prominent jet-tracking account stop following her aircraft, citing safety concerns.

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), a lobbying group for private aviation, praised the FAA’s new measure. The group said Congress approved the change in recognition of the growing risks associated with “flight stalking,” including potential threats to passenger safety and concerns over corporate espionage.

“Security is a huge issue for companies large and small, all across the country,” said NBAA CEO Ed Bolen in a statement.

The FAA said Friday that it will open the measure for public comment, including feedback on whether removing ownership data from public databases could interfere with necessary functions like maintenance and safety inspections.

The agency also said it is considering whether to make the withholding of private jet ownership details the default, while still allowing owners to retrieve their information if needed.