Privacy
Q51. Who can see the data that I can enter?
A. The FAA will be able to see the data that you enter. The FAA is using a contractor to maintain the website and database, and that contractor also will be able to see the data that you enter. Like the FAA, the contractor is required to comply with strict legal requirements to protect the confidentiality of the personal data you provide. Under certain circumstances, law enforcement officers might also be able to see the data. In the future, the registration database will be searchable by registration number only, but not by name or address. However, it is not searchable at this time.
Q52. Will my email address be used for other purposes? Will you make it available to other agencies or companies?
A. No.
Q53. Why is the current Aircraft Registry fully searchable but this one is not?
A. The current Aircraft Registry is most frequently used to record the documents used to secure the financing of the aircraft and to aid in proof of ownership. Full searchability of that portion of the Aircraft Registry is needed to enable those purposes. It is much less likely that UAS in the .55 pound to 55 pounds category will require secured financing or need to affirmatively prove ownership. The Government, in accordance with the requirements of the Privacy Act, protects and generally does not release personal information. Given the nature of UAS, in particular, the risk that the communications link between the operator of the UAS is disrupted or lost, and the risk of losing the UAS is larger than it is for other types of aircraft. Allowing searches of the unique identifying number of UAS will enable the return of these aircraft to their owners.
In December I posted a number that anyone could call and ask about searchibility and privacy. Nobody here called it that I am aware of. The nice lady at the FAA that I spoke with said this data base will only be searchable by LEO and other select entities, that the general public will not be able to search through the data.
Even if I can be searched by my unique registry number, so what? It assures that my drone will be returned. I've had fixed wing RC aircraft returned because my name and telephone number are on all of my aircraft.
What is it you are so afraid ot the public knowing about you?