by Jim Timm
These pilot deviations need to be examined to determine if a common threat exists that we should address to help reduce the number of deviations that occur, and thus enhance aviation safety.
From October 14 through November 9 there were eleven pilot deviations recorded by the FAA SDL FSDO. These deviations were committed by many pilot certificate levels, from private through ATP/CFI, and of these eleven deviations made, there was a need to issue three Brashers. This month there were also two out of state pilots committing deviations. The number of deviations reported have decreased significantly this period, and I hope they continue to remain low.
Note, a controller will issue a Brasher notification when further FAA action will be taken, and the controller is thus giving the airman the opportunity to make note of the occurrence and collect their thoughts for their future interaction with Flight Standards.
Pilots need to listen carefully to ATC instructions and follow them, and if you can’t comply, tell ATC why you can’t. When flying in controlled airspace, pilots shouldn’t try to be creative, but should talk to ATC before they do something that differs from the instructions given. Always be aware of what type of airspace you are flying in, or may be about to enter, and know what may be expected of you. Always fly with care and forethought.
The details of the deviations this month are as follows:
IFR DEVIATION
10/4 IFR Altitude & Speed Deviation
ATP/CFI Pilot
Albuquerque Center (ZAB), Phoenix Tracon (P50)
At 2028z, Albuquerque Center cleared The Embraer EMB-505 Phenom to descend via the BRUSR1, runway 8 transition. The aircraft read back the clearance correctly. The BRUSR1 has restrictions, at BRUSR, you are to be between 17,000 feet and 13,000 feet, and at 250 knots. At 2038z, the ZAB controller changed the Embraer to the Phoenix Approach frequency. At 2039z, over BRUSR, the Embraer checked in on the P50 frequency, at FL240. The Embraer did not comply with the altitude, nor speed of the BRUSR1 arrival at BRUSR. The event occurred near Black Canyon, and surprisingly, a Brasher was NOT issued.
CLASS BRAVO AIRSPACE DEVIATION
10/26 Entering Class Bravo Airspace Without Authorization
Private Pilot
PHX Tracon
The pilot deviation was reported by the Phoenix Tracon when the Beechcraft A36 Bonanza entered the PHX Class Bravo Airspace without a clearance.
CLASS DELTA AIRSPACE DEVIATION
10/27 Entering Class Delta Airspace Without First Establishing Communication
Private Pilot
Deer Valley (DVT) Tower
The Cessna was observed entering the DVT Class Delta airspace from the northeast transiting to the southwest. The north and south controllers both attempted to establish communication with the aircraft with no response on either 118.4 or 120.2. The aircraft altitude was observed to be 3,400ft MSL. The aircraft did not conflict with any other traffic within the airspace.
MOVEMENT AREA DEVIATION
10/11 Moving in A Movement Area Without Authorization
Private Pilot
Phoenix/Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA)
The Piper aircraft entered Taxiway Yankee without ATC authorization. The Piper contacted Ground Control (GC) from the hold bay at Runway 12R. GC asked the Piper how they got to the hold bay as they had not been given any taxi instructions. The pilot advised that they taxied via Taxiway Yankee. No other traffic was involved.
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL INSTRUCTIONS
10/14 Failure to follow the Air Traffic Control Instructions.
ATP/CFI Pilot
Prescott (PRC)
Upon landing, the Cessna was told by the controller to turn right at taxiway A3 and contact ground. The Cessna turned at A3, and started to taxi on taxiway Alpha without a clearance. The Ground Controller instructed the Cessna to stop, issued a Brasher and then issued taxi instructions to the self-service fuel.
10/27 Failure to follow the Air Traffic Control Instructions.
Military Pilot(s)
Tucson (TUS)
The pilot deviation was reported by Tucson ATC when two departing F16 fighters turned left on course early, resulting in a loss of separation with traffic in the downwind.
RUNWAY INCURSIONS
10/4 Landing on runway without ATC authorization.
Commercial Pilot
Phoenix/Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA)
The pilot deviation was reported by Gateway ATC when the Piper landed on RWY 30L without ATC authorization.
10/13 Entering a runway without ATC authorization.
No Pilot Involved
Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX)
A sweeper crossed the hold short line of RWY 8 without ATC authorization while an air carrier was landing on the runway.
10/18 Entering a runway without ATC authorization.
Private Pilot
Prescott (PRC)
The Piper landed, and exited RWY 03L at taxiway B6 and was given taxi instructions to the South Ramp "via Taxiway C, cross RWY 12 at C”. The Piper read back the instructions correctly, but instead, taxied straight ahead and crossed RWY 03R, the active runway, at C6. A Cessna on a 1.5 nm final for RWY 03R was sent around. The Ground Controller issued a Brasher warning, and the Piper taxied to the South Ramp without further incident.
SURFACE INCIDENT
10/28 Taxing in an area unintended for use.
Private Pilot
Out of California
Phoenix (PHX)
The pilot deviation was reported by PHX ATC when the Cessna taxied off a taxiway, and across the infield between runways 7L and 7R.
10/28 Taxing on a taxiway without a clearance.
Private Pilot
Out of Missouri
Prescott (PRC)
The Piper landed and exited runway 3L at taxiway A4 and began to taxi southwest on taxiway Alpha without first obtaining a clearance from Ground Control (GC). The Piper called GC while on taxiway Alpha southwest of A3. GC issued taxi instructions, and then issued Brasher notice once the Piper was parked at the FBO.