Flagstaff: Arizona Bill Would Ban Airports From Using Safety Trackers to Collect Landing Fees

The Bill That Could Change How Arizona Airports Charge Pilots

A new Arizona bill would prohibit airports across the state from using aircraft safety tracking devices to collect landing fees. The legislation, House Bill 2210, is sponsored by Republican Rep. Matt Gress and targets a growing practice that aviation safety experts say undermines the core purpose of the technology.

The bill would ban airports from using Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) equipment — a Federal Aviation Administration-mandated safety device — to track aircraft movements and charge pilots landing fees based on that data.

Safety Device, Not Revenue Tool

The FAA designed ADS-B as a safety and situational awareness tool. The system allows air traffic controllers and pilots to see aircraft positions in real time. It has been required for aircraft operating in controlled airspace since 2020.

"It was not implemented as a source for data for third parties to do either tracking, enforcement, or fee collection," said Chris Nugent, president of the Arizona Pilots Association.

Nugent told KJZZ that airports have other technologies available to administer landing fees. He argued that repurposing a safety device for revenue collection sends the wrong signal to pilots.

Lawmakers Fear Pilot Backlash

Rep. Gress said the bill addresses a potential safety risk. He warned that if airports use ADS-B data to charge fees, pilots might respond by turning off their transmitters.

"We should not be putting public policy in place that in any way induces someone to turn off the ADS-B equipment. I think that is asking for trouble," Gress said.

At least one U.S. senator raised similar concerns during a recent Capitol Hill hearing with the FAA director. The senator warned that pilots could simply disable their data transmitters in protest if airports begin monetizing the technology.

Airports Already Testing the Waters

Multiple Arizona airports are considering using ADS-B equipment to collect landing fees, according to KJZZ. Falcon Field in Mesa has already imposed new fees and is currently facing a federal lawsuit over the practice.

The bill does not ban landing fees entirely. It specifically prohibits the use of ADS-B data as the mechanism for collecting those fees. Airports could still use other methods to track aircraft arrivals and charge pilots accordingly.

What It Means for Flagstaff

The Flagstaff Pulliam Airport has not been specifically identified in reports as planning to use ADS-B for fee collection. However, the bill would apply to all public airports in Arizona if it passes. Aviation advocates say the legislation could set an important precedent for how safety technology is used — or misused — by local governments seeking revenue.

HB 2210 remains in the legislative process. If it clears both chambers, it would require Governor Katie Hobbs' signature to become law.

Reporting by Marcus Whitfield, Arizona State News