PiLNK is a free, open-source aviation intelligence platform. The software runs on your own Raspberry Pi (or compatible hardware) and connects to a community network at pilnk.io. You retain ownership of your node, your data, and your participation.

By creating an account or installing the software, you agree to these Terms. They're written in plain language because legal documents shouldn't require a lawyer to understand them.

PiLNK is provided "as is", free of charge, with no warranties of any kind — express or implied. We don't guarantee:

• Continuous uptime of pilnk.io or the network
• Accuracy of aircraft data, weather data, or third-party integrations
• Compatibility with every Pi model or hardware configuration
• That bugs will be fixed within any specific timeframe

If PiLNK breaks something on your Pi, we're not liable. Back up your data. Use your judgement. This is enthusiast software, not enterprise software.

The PiLNK software is released under the MIT Licence. You're free to:

• Use it, copy it, modify it, distribute it
• Run it commercially or non-commercially
• Fork the project on GitHub

Full licence text lives in the repository. The pilnk.io network service (the community platform you connect to) is a separate hosted service operated by the project maintainer — these Terms cover that service. The software itself is governed by its MIT licence.

When using pilnk.io (the website, forum, messenger, leaderboard, network map, and any other community feature), you agree NOT to:

• Send spam, harassment, hate speech, or threats to other users
• Post commercial advertisements, multi-level marketing, or scam content
• Falsify aircraft data, register fake nodes, or manipulate the achievement system
• Attempt to gain unauthorised access to other users' accounts or nodes
• Use automated scraping or bots beyond reasonable personal use
• Use PiLNK to track specific individuals for stalking, harassment, or harm
• Distribute copyrighted material via the forum without permission

Aviation enthusiasm is the point. Treat fellow operators like neighbours at the airfield.

PiLNK is used across many countries. Each country has its own laws around radio reception, broadcast of received aircraft data, and storage of telemetry. It's your responsibility to comply with the laws in your jurisdiction.

For example, in the United Kingdom, receiving aircraft transmissions is generally lawful under the Wireless Telegraphy Act, but disclosure of received content may be regulated. In other countries the rules vary. The PiLNK project doesn't and can't audit every country's regulations for you.

If you're unsure about your jurisdiction, consult a local resource (national aviation authority, telecommunications regulator, amateur radio club) before connecting your node. We default to Global by Default as a design principle — but legal compliance is local by default.

The PiLNK software optionally includes a local VHF receiver feature, allowing you to tune your own RTL-SDR dongle to civil aviation voice frequencies (118–137 MHz) and listen on your own device. This feature is OFF by default. You must explicitly press LISTEN to activate it.

Reception of air traffic control transmissions is regulated differently across the world:

• Permitted in countries like the United States and Australia (within personal-use limits)
• Lawful to receive but unlawful to disclose in the United Kingdom and several EU countries
• Prohibited entirely in some jurisdictions including parts of the Middle East and Asia
• Permitted only with a licence in certain other territories

Before pressing LISTEN, you confirm you have verified the legality of ATC reception in your jurisdiction. The PiLNK project provides the tool; the choice to use it, and full responsibility for any legal consequences, rests with you.

Network audio streaming is not and will not be a PiLNK feature. Audio you receive on your dongle stays on your device. PiLNK does not relay, broadcast, or aggregate ATC audio across the community network.

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms — particularly the Acceptable Use clause. Specifically:

• Spam, abuse, harassment, or threats → immediate termination, no warning required
• Repeated low-level violations → warning, then suspension, then termination
• Fake data injection or achievement manipulation → badge revocation + account suspension

You can also terminate your account at any time by contacting admin@pilnk.io. Your forum posts, badges, and node history will be removed in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

We may update these Terms occasionally — to clarify language, address new features, or respond to legal changes. When we do, we'll:

• Update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page
• Note significant changes in the platform changelog
• For major changes affecting your rights, notify active users via in-app message or email

Continued use of PiLNK after an update means you accept the updated Terms.

The pilnk.io platform is operated from New Zealand. These Terms are governed by New Zealand law. If you're outside NZ, you're welcome to use the platform — but disputes are resolved under NZ jurisdiction.