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Open Legalise members of the public listening to Air Traffic Control

Created by Fatehveer Gill
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Under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006, intercepting and listening to ATC radio transmissions is a criminal offence. I want the Government to update the law in line with other countries to make it legal for the public to do so with an airband or radio scanner without any legal consequences.

Under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006, it is currently a criminal offence in the UK to listen to Air Traffic Control transmissions without authorisation, even though these signals are unencrypted and broadcasted in the clear.

We call on the UK Government to update the law to legalise the public’s right to non-commercial, passive listening to ATC transmissions. Aviation is a major UK industry. Listening to live ATC serves as an educational tool for student pilots, air traffic control trainees, hobbyists and could modernise the UK by supporting student pilots and aviation enthusiasts.

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    This petition will stay open until 21 April 2027.