N-Number Lookup Privacy

[BMC_Dave]

Try as I might I can't think of a good reason anyone should be able to look up my N-number and get my name and address. Thinking about car license plates this information isn't as easily available to the public, or you have to have some specific credentials to access it, it's not just a web page anyone has access to.

I think this should be changed to remove such identifying information from public access. Thoughts?

[Timberwolf]

it is cool to be able to look up where a plane is based or exactly what kind of plane it is if I see something out that I don't recognize. If the thought is to hide it so companies can't charge you a landing fee off your n number and mail you the bill, I suspect these would be the kinds of people with the credentials to see your info anyhow

[BMC_Dave]

Yeah if there's a need then I could see getting access like you mention. I just think it's open to abuse now. We've already heard of folks being contacted about selling their planes unsolicited, for one example.

[buchaneer]

Hi,
Same problem here in UK with G register

[BillL]

I want to look up car license registration.

Oh - and track their GPS too.

[BMC_Dave]

A little surprised by the even split so far. Also for those interested you can opt out of real-time n-number tracking, or rather block that info from being sent to anyone by the FAA. It's been discussed on VAF before for those who missed it:

http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...d.php?t=160102

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

[carolsyracuse]

Many states allow an exemption from sales tax on parts for service done in state on aircraft registered out of state. Using the FAA N number registration site to verify the registration state is helpful to business owners.

[Mel]

Originally Posted by BMC_Dave

Try as I might I can't think of a good reason anyone should be able to look up my N-number and get my name and address. Thoughts?

Well for one; I use this function every day. I need that information to perform Airworthiness Inspections. Now, while I realize that DARs are the exception, you asked for a good reason.

[jnorris]

I have used the FAA database many times to track down where airplanes currently are and get contact info. This might be to track down an owner and get info or material to them that belongs with the airplane. It might be to connect the current owner to a previous owner or previous owner's family or something similar. It might be to get info from the current owner about a particular modification or equipment installation that exists on teh plane. There are all kinds of reasons. It does come in handy to be able to make connections with owners.

[BMC_Dave]

I see comments to its convenience. Though I wonder if this convenience is worth the loss of privacy for everyone, presuming your customers would volunteer this information?