by Jim Timm
These pilot deviations need to be examined to determine if a common thread 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 December 13, 2024, through January 10, 2025, there were six pilot deviations reported by the FAA SDL FSDO. These deviations were committed by pilots with certificates ranging from Private Pilot through Commercial/CFI, and of the six deviations reported, there were no Brashers issued.
Note: A controller will issue a Brasher notification to a pilot when further FAA action will be taken, and the controller is thus giving the airman the opportunity to make note of the occurrence, collect information, and their thoughts for their future interaction with FAA Flight Standards.
The number of deviations are greatly reduced from last month, and from previous months. Has there been a change in reporting criteria for making a report or what is happening? I don’t think pilots have become more careful in their flying, of have greatly reduced their flying activity. I would most certainly hope our source of information is not coming to an end. I would like to think the information that has been presented has been very valuable to the majority of the pilots out there.
Moving on, pilots must listen carefully to ATC instructions and comply with them, and if they can’t comply, tell ATC why they can’t. Also, 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 about to enter, and know what may be expected of them. Always fly with care and forethought, don’t be part of the problem.
The details of the deviations this month are as follows:
IFR DEVIATIONS (3)
12/18/2024 Altitude & Route Deviation
Unknown Pilot Certification
Airplane Was Out of Mexico
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The deviation was reported when the Gulfstream 5 climbed above the ATC assigned altitude, and failed to follow the assigned course, and conflicted with traffic inbound to Phoenix Sky Harbor. There was no loss of separation.
1/5/2025 Altitude Deviation
Unknown Pilot Certification
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The pilot deviation was reported when the Learjet 35 had descended below his assigned altitude of 5,000 feet.
1/7/2025 Altitude Deviation
Unknown Military Pilot Certification
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The pilot deviation was reported when the Military KC135 descended below the published altitude.
CLASS DELTA AIRSPACE DEVIATION (1)
12/29/2024 Entering Class Delta Airspace Without First Establishing Two-Way Radio Communication
Private Pilot
Phoenix Deer Valley (DVT)
The pilot deviation was reported by the Deer Valley ATC when the Piper Super Cub entered their Class Delta Airspace without authorization.
RUNWAY INCURSION (2)
12/17/2024 Entering A Runway Without Authorization
Commercial/CFI Pilot
Prescott Airport (PRC)
Ground Control (GC) instructed a Cessna 172 to taxi via Taxiway C and hold short of Runway 21L on Taxiway C5, and the read back was correct. Later the Cessna crossed the Runway 21L edge line at Taxiway C5 without ATC authorization, and GC told the pilot to stop. A Bombardier CRJ200 was departing Runway 3R because of performance characteristics, and the Local Controller canceled the takeoff clearance. The closest proximity was approximately 2,800 feet lateral.
12/19/2024 Entering A Runway Without Authorization
Unknown Pilot Certification
Prescott (PRC)
The pilot deviation was reported when a Cessna 172 taxied across a runway without ATC authorization.