Last updated: 31 October 2026
Who we are
This website, Hangar617 (hangar617.co.uk), is run by Hangar617. We are the “controller” of the personal information described in this policy, which means we decide how and why it is used. If you have any questions about it, or want to use your rights (see below), contact us at [email protected].
The short version
You can browse almost all of this site without giving us any personal information. We only collect details when you create an Aircraft Tracker account or get in touch with us. We do not sell your information, and we do not use it for advertising.
What we collect, and why
When you visit the site
Like all websites, our web hosting provider automatically records technical information when a page is requested, such as your IP address, browser and device type, the page you asked for and the time. We need this to deliver the site, keep it secure and fix problems. We do not use it to identify you.
To show the site in its typefaces, your browser loads fonts from Google Fonts (fonts.googleapis.com), so your IP address is sent to Google. You can read Google’s policy at policies.google.com/privacy.
Some airshow pages show an interactive map. To display it, your browser loads the mapping software from unpkg.com and map images from OpenStreetMap, so your IP address and browser details are sent to those services. You can read the OpenStreetMap Foundation’s policy at osmfoundation.org/wiki/Privacy_Policy.
Aircraft Tracker accounts
If you create an account we collect your chosen username, your email address and your password. We store only a scrambled version of your password, which we cannot read. We also record that your email address has been confirmed and whether your sign-up has been approved.
We also store the sightings you choose to log: the aircraft, registration, owner, squadron, location, date and an optional photo. Photos can contain information added by your camera (such as the camera model and settings), and we may show some of that alongside the photo in your log. Please do not log anything you do not want us to hold.
We use this information to create and run your account, let you manage your log, and keep the service secure. Your log is private: it is visible only to you and to the site’s administrators, who run and support the service.
To keep the tracker for genuine aircraft enthusiasts and to prevent spam, we review new sign-ups and approve them after you have confirmed your email address.
We send you service emails: to confirm your email address, to tell you when your account has been approved, and about your account. These are not marketing messages.
When you contact us
If you email us, we use your email address and what you tell us to reply to you, and we keep the conversation for as long as is needed.
Links to other sites
This site links to our Instagram, Facebook and YouTube pages, and to other websites such as airshow organisers. We do not embed their content or tracking on our pages, but once you click through, their own privacy policies apply.
Cookies
Cookies are small files that a website stores in your browser. We use only essential cookies. If you log in to the Aircraft Tracker, WordPress (the software this site runs on) sets cookies to keep you signed in, for up to two weeks, and to protect your account. They are strictly necessary for logging in, so they do not need your consent. We do not use advertising or analytics cookies. You can delete or block cookies in your browser settings, but you will not be able to log in without them.
Who we share information with
We do not sell your personal information or share it for marketing. We use other organisations to help run the site, and they handle information on our behalf or, in the case of the services mentioned above, under their own policies:
- our web hosting and email providers, who store and send information for us;
- Google (fonts) and OpenStreetMap (maps), as described above;
- anyone we are legally required to share information with, such as the police or a court.
Our legal reasons for using your information
Under UK data protection law we need a lawful basis for each use of your information. Ours are:
- Contract — to set up and run your Aircraft Tracker account, which you have asked us to do;
- Legitimate interests — to run and secure the site, prevent spam and abuse, review sign-ups and reply to people who contact us. We have considered the effect on you and believe these uses are reasonable and expected;
How long we keep your information
- Website server records: kept by our hosting provider for a limited period, under its own retention rules.
- Aircraft Tracker account and log: until you ask us to delete your account, or we close it. We may remove sign-ups that are never confirmed.
- Emails you send us: for as long as needed to deal with your message.
Where your information goes
Some of the services above, such as Google, are based in, or use servers in, the United States or other countries outside the UK. Where your information is transferred abroad, it is protected by appropriate safeguards that are recognised under UK data protection law.
Keeping your information safe
We take reasonable steps to protect your information, including using an encrypted (https) connection and storing passwords only in scrambled form. No website can be completely secure, so please choose a strong password and keep it private.
Children
This site is not aimed at children, and the Aircraft Tracker is for people aged 13 or over. If you think a child has created an account, please contact us and we will delete it.
Your rights
You have the right to:
- ask for a copy of the personal information we hold about you;
- ask us to correct anything that is wrong or incomplete;
- ask us to delete your information;
- ask us to restrict how we use it, or object to us using it;
- ask for the information you gave us in a portable format.
To use any of these rights, email [email protected]. We will normally reply within one month. If you are unhappy with how we have handled your information, please tell us first so we can put it right. You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (the UK data protection regulator) at ico.org.uk/make-a-complaint.
Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time, for example if we add a new feature. The date at the top shows when it was last changed.