Ocassionally I got messages from aircraft owners. For whatever reason they want photos and/or info of their aircraft to be removed. Some even threaten me with legal actions.
For photo requests I usually direct them to the photographer, as they are the copyright owners. For aircraft info ones (most of them came from USA), I direct them to FAA registry page, which has address listed (and we don't). This did the trick. Almost none of them talk back.
I too have received an email or two from people who wish to have the photos removed.
I have spoken at length with one of the Airport-data users here in the Denver area and he helped me come up with a letter to send back.
(This is not legal advice... but I provide this letter for your reference.)
I would be very interested in Airport-data.com member feedback regarding this type of letter.
Is this a proper response?
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am in receipt of your email through the Airport-Data.com website regarding aircraft N*****.
As a courtesy to your request I have removed the offending images of this aircraft from Airport-data.com's website.
Airport-data.com is a website for aviation enthusiasts who are also amateur and professional photographers and is used to share (and often critique each others) photographs of aircraft, and airports.
The photograph taken of N***** was done in the spirit of that hobby and nothing more.
Photographs of aircraft taken by me are done in an open and public area, and with the full knowledge of the airport authority.
The only restriction that has been agreed to is that photographs will not be taken directly towards the FBO aircraft parking areas, which in this case was fully complied with.
Having taken over ????? photographs from this location, your complaint has taken me by surprise.
The common and typical reaction from pilots or owners is to request
copies of the pictures I have taken, which I email to them at no charge,
simply for the privilege of enjoying their aircraft.
Since I have received so much appreciation from these pilots and owners who have significant pride in the fact
that I would take the time to enjoy the aircraft that they own or fly, the removal of your photographs does not impact me directly or indirectly.,
But please note that your aircraft was in public domain space, both while it was in flight and while on the publicly funded and owned runways and taxiways at the airport.
The photograph also did not include any manner of identifying any individual(s) aboard your aircraft, so by law I was and am allowed to photograph your aircraft
in those domains at anytime, anywhere and anyplace and I do not need to seek or obtain permission to publish said photographs.
This changes only if I were receiving any form of payment or charging a fee for the use of these photographs, then the law (United States Law)
is clear, that I would have to obtain your permission in the form of a photographers release in writing prior to using them for my own personal financial gain.
Otherwise, as indicated above, I have removed the photographs, and will not post any further instances of N*****.
Best Regards,
Once again, I would be interested in others viewpoints on this matter.