I was recently at an air show in Akron Colorado on Sep. 11, 2010. Lots of great aircraft were flying over.

Right before the show began, this “Ryan” flew over my head with the most amazing “Bumper Sticker” display on the bottom!

I couldn’t quite read it, but after a few pictures with my 500mm I could see what it said.

Well, I laughed… but didn’t think too much more of it.

Later on in the week I posted my air show pictures on flickr.com to share with people who have an interest in aviation (much like everyone here has).

It did not occur to me that this photo would go viral a few days later, after someone copied my picture and posted it on Flightaware.com!!!!

http://flightaware.com/photos/view/224641-1cc8c6c15bf7e885ac2e3dc97723fc1c2a1cfc4f

Now, it really doesn’t matter that I agree with the message displayed or not. The fact was someone removed my copyright.

I requested that Flightaware.com remove the photo, and they will not.

See full thread here.

http://discussions.flightaware.com/viewtopic.php?p=121178&sid=30cdedd68ac98eb00f3d2b0ac3120b28#121178

I'm sorry, it is not. You need to send a letter to our designated agent registered with the Copyright Office containing all of the required elements in 512(c)(3)(A).

So this is a word of warning to you that Flightaware.com not only will host and display your pictures… you will have to prove they are yours to remove them.

I understand they have to have a process, but this could be made easier by them to remove my photo… could it not?

Best Regards,

Paul