It's no more of spyware than Android or iOS, even less so to some extent. Plus, it's easy to turn the functions considered spyware off, if you know the basics of using a computer.
I call this a huge setback. I wouldn’t just throw away the project. Just salvage what you got and restart from there.
I have waited years for an aircraft/jetliner mod. I am willing to pay money for this if that helps... Sorry for the setback