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 continue to occur, and thus enhance aviation safety.
In the reporting period from November 11 through December 15 there were thirty-four pilot deviations reported by the FAA SDL FSDO office.
These deviations were committed by pilots with certificate levels ranging from Student through ATP, and there were also ten out of state pilots that committed the deviations. Of these thirty-four deviations reported, there was a need to issue eleven Brashers.
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 information and 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 should never be creative, but talk to ATC before they do something that differs from the instructions given. Pilots must always be aware of what type of airspace they are flying in, or may be about to enter, and know what may be expected of them. Always fly with care and forethought.
The details of the deviations this month are as follows:
IFR DEVIATION (6)
11/13 IFR No Clearance
Commercial/CFI
Albuquerque Center (ZAB)
A Cessna 172 called the ZAB controller and advised that he would like to “pick up my IFR”. The ZAB controller, not recognizing that the aircraft had requested an IFR clearance, radar identified the C172 and entered VFR into the aircraft's RADAR data tag (thinking the aircraft wanted flight following). The C172, believing he had received an IFR clearance climbed to and remained at 10,000 feet. Later another ZAB controller advised the C172 that he was not at an appropriate VFR altitude. The C172 responded that he was IFR, at 10,000 feet. The C172 had been flying IFR without receiving a clearance to do so. A Brasher was issued.
11/9 IFR Altitude Deviation
ATP/CFI
Out Of Minnesota
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The Astra Jet was climbing to an assigned altitude of 5,000 feet when he leveled off at 4,700 feet then descended to 4,000 feet. This resulted in a conflict with VFR traffic, and a descent below the Minimum Vectoring Altitude (MVA).
11/12 IFR Altitude Deviation
Private Pilot
Out Of Ohio
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The Cessna 210 read back a climb clearance intended for another A/C, which resulted in a loss of separation with an air carrier that was southwest bound and descending.
11/12 IFR Standard Instrument Departure (SID) Deviation
Commercial Pilot
Out of Montana
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The Piper Malibu Meridian did not fly the SNOBL6 departure out of Scottsdale as published. There was no loss of separation.
11/18 IFR Route Deviation
Private Pilot
Out of Texas
Albuquerque Center (ZAB)
The Cessna 182 had been cleared from P33 (Wilcox, AZ) via 'as filed'. The filed routing was P33 direct DEPHE. The C182 departed P33 and was proceeding, but instead of to DEPHE (which is northwest of P33), flew direct to SSO (which is northeast of P33). This unauthorized turn resulted in the C182 entering a 9,700 foot minimum instrument altitude (MIA) area while climbing out of 7,200 feet. A Brasher was issued.
11/19 IFR - Altitude & Clearance Deviation
Commercial/CFI Pilot
Albuquerque Center (ZAB)
The Piper Cherokee had been cleared for the RNAV RWY05 at CGZ (Casa Grande). After flying the approach, the Piper initiated a missed approach. The published missed approach is to climb to 2,000 feet, then a climbing right turn to 5,900 feet direct to the VOR (TFD). The Piper followed the missed approach procedure but the aircraft stopped the climb at 4,000 feet and then descended to 3,800 feet, prior to TFD. The Piper was NOT in contact with the ZAB controller. The Piper then initiated another approach to CGZ without a clearance to do so. A Brasher was issued.
11/22 IFR Standard Instrument Departure (SID) Deviation
ATP Pilot
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The Piper was cleared for the Scottsdale KSDL MRRIC1 SID, and further routing, however the Piper did not comply with the MRRIC1 departure. The Piper turned to a heading of 164° instead of flying the heading of 220°. ATC issued a low altitude alert as well as a climb to 6000 ft.
12/3 IFR Altitude Deviation
Commercial Pilot
Out Of Oklahoma
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The pilot deviation was reported by the Phoenix TRACON when the Citation II climbed above his assigned altitude of 6,000 feet resulting in a loss of separation with a Pilatus Turboprop northbound at 7,000 feet. The closest proximity was 0.06 NM, and 700 feet vertical.
12/10 IFR Course Deviation
Pilot certification unknown
Out Of Virginia
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The pilot deviation was reported by the Phoenix TRACON (P50) when the Metroliner was assigned a heading of 190° on departure with a good read back. On departure the Metroliner flew a heading of 90°. Fortunately there was no loss of separation.
CLASS BRAVO DEVIATIONS
11/20 Entering Class Bravo Airspace Without First Obtaining A Clearance
Commercial/CFI Pilot
Out of Pennsylvania
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The Piper Malibu departed Mesa Falcon Field (FFZ) VFR on a northbound heading, and climbed up to 7,000 feet through the Phoenix Class Bravo Airspace without a clearance. When they checked in with the Phoenix TRACON Jerome Controller, they were given a Brasher by the TRACON.
12/2 Entering Class Bravo Airspace Without First Obtaining A Clearance
Student Pilot
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The Piper Cherokee was squawking a 1200 VFR Transponder Code over Deer Valley Airport (DVT) as the TRACON Biltmore Controller observed the aircraft climbing to, and leveling off at 6,500 feet. The floor of the Bravo airspace in the area is 6,000 feet. Eventually the pilot called the TRACON as they flew eastbound for VFR flight following, and that is when the controller issued them the Brasher warning.
CLASS DELTA DEVIATIONS
11/16 Entering Class Delta Airspace Without First Establishing Communication
ATP Pilot
Prescott (PRC)
The P51D was observed entering the Prescott Class D Airspace from the east, at an indicated altitude of 5,600 feet, and at 240 KIAS. The local controller reached out numerous times, and so did all other positions, including 121.5 on the PET 2000 emergency frequency. The P51D was observed crossing both RWY21L and RWY21R finals at approximately a 1 NM final, and no closer to any traffic than approximately 1 NM, and at 240 KIAS from SE to NW. The P51D then exited the airspace to the NNW. No Brasher was issued as the aircraft was unable to be contacted.
11/21 Entering Class Delta Airspace Without First Establishing Communication
Private Pilot
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The Lancair departed VFR to El Paso, Texas (ELP). The pilot proceeded to fly through the SDL, FFZ and CHD Class Delta airspaces without a clearance. The pilot was issued a Brasher warning from the TRACON Biltmore controller for a possible pilot deviation, and the pilot refused to take the phone number given.
11/21 Entering Class Delta Airspace Without First Establishing Communication
Commercial Pilot
Chandler (CHD)
The Cessna was noticed departing from Stellar AirPark (P19), and transitioning through the northwest corner of the Chandler Class Delta Airspace without establishing communications with the tower. The aircraft was observed inbound to Mesa Falcon Field (FFZ), so Chandler advised FFZ to issue a Brasher warning to the pilot.
11/21 Entering Class Delta Airspace Without First Establishing Communication
Commercial/CFI Pilot
Mesa Falcon Field (FFZ)
The pilot deviation was reported by Mesa Falcon Field (FFZ) when the Airbus Helicopter entered the FFZ Class Delta Airspace without first establishing two-way radio communications.
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL INSTRUCTIONS
10/31 Failure to follow Air Traffic Control Instructions
Private Pilot
Out Of Colorado
Prescott Airport (PRC)
The Cessna 182 entered Taxiway Delta without ATC authorization. The Cessna landed on runway 21L and was instructed by the tower to exit on Taxiway Delta 4 and contact Ground Control (GC). The readback was correct. The C182 exited at Taxiway Delta 4 and began taxiing southwest bound on Taxiway Delta without contacting GC. GC reached out to the C182 and instructed them to stop. No other traffic was involved.
11/12 Failure to follow Air Traffic Control Instructions
Private Pilot
Mesa Falcon Field (FFZ)
At FFZ a Cessna 172 turned base without permission. The aircraft did not follow air traffic control’s pattern instructions, which resulted in a conflict within the traffic pattern.
11/16 Failure to follow Air Traffic Control Instructions
Commercial Pilot
Scottsdale Airport (SDL)
The Mooney M20T taxied to Runway 21 via Taxiway Alpha 16 without ATC authorization. The Mooney called Ground Control (GC) for taxi instructions. GC instructed the M20T to taxi via Taxiway Alpha to the Northwest run-up area and to advise when the run-up was complete. GC did not assign a departure runway. The read back was correct. The Mooney did not advise when their run-up was complete but taxied via Taxiway Alpha 16 to Runway 21 without receiving taxi instructions to the runway.
11/20 Failure to follow Air Traffic Control Instructions
Student Pilot
Chandler Airport (CHD)
The Cessna 172 (Student solo) was instructed to take off on Runway 22R, and the airplane took off, and stayed in the pattern, and was instructed to land on runway 22R. The airplane appeared to line up for Runway 22L and the controller issued a go around inside a 1/2 mile final. No other traffic was involved.
11/28 Failure to follow Air Traffic Control Instructions
Private Pilot
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The pilot deviation was reported by the Phoenix TRACON when the Van’s RV12 descended below his assigned altitude of 5,500 feet in the Phoenix Class Bravo Airspace, resulting in a loss of separation with an air carrier at 5,000 feet. The closet proximity was .94 NM and 300 feet vertical,
RUNWAY INCURSIONS
11/3 Landing on a runway without authorization
Student Pilot
Mesa Falcon Field (FFZ)
The Piper Cherokee landed on Runway 4R without ATC authorization. The controller had cleared the Piper to land Runway 4L. While the read back was correct, the Piper lined up for, and landed Runway 4R. A Cessna 172 that was on a 1/2 mile final was sent around. The facility reported that the Piper had shown difficulty in following basic instructions so they felt a last second go around for them would be hazardous. A Brasher was issued.
11/11 Taking off on a runway without authorization
Private Pilot
Mesa Falcon Field (FFZ)
A Cessna 170 taxied to, and departed Runway 4R without ATC authorization. The Cessna made a transmission on the Ground Control (GC) frequency saying they were at spot 2, and ready to taxi. GC spoke to another aircraft, and then asked who else tried to call. The Cessna didn’t answer, but it taxied via Taxiways Bravo, Delta, and Delta 1 to Runway 4R without receiving any taxi instructions. The Cessna then made a transmission while holding short of Runway 4R as if they were on the CTAF frequency with the airport closed, and that they were taking the runway for departure. The Controller tried numerous times to contact the Cessna with no response. GC also tried reaching out to them, and the Cessna departed on Runway 4R. No other traffic was involved.
11/14 Entering a runway without ATC authorization
Private Pilot
Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT)
A Mooney M20 entered Taxiway Bravo 3 and crossed the hold short line of Runway 7R without ATC authorization. Ground Control (GC) issued the instructions: For Runway 7L to taxi via Taxiway Alpha. The read back was correct. The Mooney taxied via Taxiway Alpha and Taxiway Bravo 3 instead. The Mooney called the North Controller (NC) and said they were holding short of Runway 7L, ready for departure. The NC advised the Mooney that they did not see them at Runway 7L and that they were holding short of Runway 7R at Taxiway Bravo 3, and instructed them to contact the South Controller (SC). The Mooney read back cross Runway 7R and the north controller immediately corrected them, and told them to hold their position. The Mooney had crossed the hold short line of Runway 7R but was short of the runway edge line. The south controller issued multiple go arounds to aircraft on final for Runway 7R to get the Mooney departed.
11/14 Entering a runway without ATC authorization
Private Pilot
Out Of California
Tucson Ryan Field (RYN)
The pilot deviation was reported by Ryan Field ATC when the Flight Design Light Sport Airplane taxied past the hold short bars for Runway 6R
11/16 Taking off on a runway without ATC authorization
Commercial/CFI Pilot
Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA)
The Piper Cherokee departed Runway 30L without ATC authorization. The Piper was inbound, and the Local Control (LC) cleared them to land on Runway 30L, and the read back was correct. The Piper conducted a touch and go to Runway 30L instead of coming to a full stop. There was no other traffic impacted.
11/17 Landing on a runway without ATC authorization
ATP/CFI Pilot
Chandler Airport (CHD)
A Cessna Twin landed Runway 22L without ATC authorization. The Local Control (LC) instructed the Cessna to enter a right downwind and then a right base for Runway 22R, and the read backs were correct. The controller cleared the Cessna to land on Runway 22R, and the read back was correct. The Cessna landed on Runway 22L instead of Runway 22R. No other traffic was involved.
11/19 Entering a runway without ATC authorization
Commercial Pilot
Out Of California
Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT)
The Cessna Twin crossed the hold short markings at RWY 25L at the C3 intersection, but the aircraft was still short of the runway edge line. Traffic on short final was sent around by the south controller. A Brasher was issued.
11/20 Entering a runway without ATC authorization
Student Pilot
Goodyear Airport (GYR)
The Cirrus SR20 entered Runway 3 without ATC authorization while another aircraft was on short final. The Cirrus called the controller and advised they were ready for departure. The controller instructed the Cirrus to hold short of Runway 3. The hold short read back was correct. The other aircraft was on an approximate 1/4 mile final, and advised that they were initiating a go around because the Cirrus had entered Runway 3, and was lined up on the runway for departure. The aircraft on final offset to the right of the runway and did not overfly the Cirrus.
11/27 Entering a runway without ATC authorization
Commercial/CFI Pilot
Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT)
The Short S-312 Tucano was instructed to cross RWY 7R at B9. The Tucano turned left and taxied eastbound onto RWY 7R. Ground Control (GC) alerted the South Controller who then issued a go around to a Cirrus who was on an approximate 1/2 mile final. GC instructed the Tucano to continue down the runway and turn right at C10. The Cirrus did not overfly the Tucano. A Brasher was issued.
11/28 Entering a runway without ATC authorization
Private Pilot
Chandler Airport (CHD)
The Cessna 172 had a wrong surface landing which was followed by a runway incursion. The pilot was cleared to land on RWY 4R, however they landed on taxiway C. The Cessna was then told to hold short of RWY 4R, but they proceeded across RWY 4R to taxiway B.
11/28 Entering a runway without ATC authorization
Student Pilot
Scottsdale Airport (SDL)
The pilot deviation was reported by the Scottsdale ATC when a Cessna crossed the hold short line of Runway 3 without ATC authorization. The student pilot of the Cessna had acknowledged a clearance for a different airplane.
11/29 Entering a runway without ATC authorization
ATP Pilot
Mesa Falcon Field (FFZ)
The controller had instructed the Piper Cherokee to turn left on Taxiway Bravo, and hold short of RWY 22L. The Piper turned left on Bravo, and taxied through the hold short lines for Runway 22L. The Ground Controller issued the Brasher warning. No aircraft was sent around due to this event.
12/1 Entering a runway without ATC authorization
Pilot certification unknown
Goodyear Airport (GYR)
The pilot deviation was reported by Goodyear ATC when a Cirrus SR20 entered Runway 3, and was lined up on the runway for departure without a clearance.
12/2 Entering a runway without ATC authorization
Pilot certification unknown
Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA)
The pilot deviation was reported by Gateway (IWA) ATC when the Piper Cherokee crossed the hold short line of Runway 12R without ATC authorization.