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 February 14, 2025, through March 13, 2025, there were twenty-one pilot deviations reported by the FAA SDL FSDO. These deviations were committed by pilots with certificates ranging from Private Pilot through ATP/CFI Pilot. There were nine out of state Pilots that committed these deviations, and one foreign pilot. Of the twenty-one deviations reported, there were only two Brashers issued for IFR flights.
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 was down slightly from last month, and weren’t as serious as past years because there was a need to issue only two Brashers, and these were for IFR deviations. Obviously, pilots still don’t get the message to be more careful in their flying. Perhaps some of these deviations could be attributed to the “snow birds” that have returned because of the rather large number of out of state airplanes that were involved in some of the deviations. Many of these pilots may not be accustomed to flying in some of the complex/crowded airspace that we contend with in Arizona.
I would certainly like to think that the information that we have presented has been valuable to a majority of the pilots out there and has made them safer pilots.
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 do something on their own, but always talk to ATC before they do anything that may differ 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, don’t be part of the problem.
The details of the deviations this month are as follows:
IFR DEVIATIONS (6)
2/27 Standard Instrument Departure Deviation (SID)
Private Pilot
Out Of Iowa
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The deviation was reported by the Phoenix TRACON when the Piaggio Avanti didn’t fly the SACAT 3 SID as published.
3/1 SID Deviation
Unknown Pilot Certification
Out Of North Dakota
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The deviation was reported by the Phoenix TRACON when the Citation didn’t fly the SACAT 3 SID as published.
3/1 SID Deviation Unknown
Pilot Certification
Out Of New Mexico
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The pilot deviation was reported by the Phoenix TRACON when the Bonanza didn’t fly the DVT 3 out of Phoenix Deer Valley (DVT) as published.
3/3 Altitude Deviation
Comm/CFI Pilot
Albuquerque Center (ZAB)
The Cessna 172 was level at 7,000ft, and radar data for the aircraft showed they went from 7,000ft to 6,700ft and then back to 7,000ft. Shortly after they had descended to 6,500ft, they advised the Albuquerque controller they were doing a quick descent to 6,500ft to avoid icing. The controller stated they are on an IFR clearance so maintain 6,000ft and advise if you need any assistance. They were issued a Brasher.
3/5 SID Deviation
Commercial Pilot
Out Of Missouri
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The pilot deviation was reported by the Phoenix TRACON when the Socata TBM didn’t fly the DVT3 Departure out of Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT) as published.
3/9 FAA Part 135 Flight Plan Deviation
Unknown Pilot Certification
Springerville Airport (JTC)
The pilot deviation was reported by Albuquerque Center when the fire fighting jet aircraft failed to cancel their IFR Flight Plan resulting in an Alert Notice being issued. A Brasher notice was issued.
CLASS BRAVO AIRSPACE DEVIATIONS (2)
2/22 Entering Class Bravo Airspace Without First Having Authorization
Private Pilot
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The pilot deviation was reported by the Phoenix Tracon when the Cherokee entered the Phoenix Class Bravo airspace without first obtaining authorization.
2/22 Entering Class Bravo Airspace Without First Having Authorization
Private Pilot Out Of Indiana
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The pilot deviation was reported by the Phoenix Tracon when the Cessna entered the Phoenix Class Bravo airspace without first obtaining authorization.
CLASS DELTA AIRSPACE DEVIATIONS (2)
2/26 Entering Class Delta Airspace Without First Establishing Two-Way Radio Communication
Commercial Pilot Out Of Montana
Prescott Airport (PRC)
The deviation was reported by Prescott when the Light Sport Savanna entered the Prescott Class Delta Airspace without first establishing radio communications.
3/8 Entering Class Delta Airspace Without First Establishing Two-Way Radio Communication
Commercial Pilot Out Of California
Phoenix Deer Valley (DVT)
The pilot deviation was reported by Deer Valley when the Piper Lance entered the Deer Valley Class Delta Airspace without first establishing two-way radio communications.
RUNWAY INCURSIONS (6)
2/7 Entering A Runway Without Authorization
Unknown Pilot Certification
Out Of Mexico
Tucson International Airport (TUS)
The pilot deviation was reported by Tucson International when the Cessna touched down on the runway without ATC authorization.
2/7 Entering A Runway Without Authorization
Commercial/CFI Pilot
Glendale Airport (GEU)
The pilot deviation was reported by Glendale ATC when the Pipistrel taxied onto the runway without ATC authorization.
2/12 Entering A Runway Without Authorization
Comm/CFI Pilot
Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA)
The pilot deviation was reported by the Gateway ATC when the Cherokee crossed the hold short line of the runway without ATC authorization.
2/21 Entering A Runway Without Authorization
Comm/CFI Pilot
Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA)
The pilot deviation was reported by the Gateway ATC when the Cessna entered the runway without ATC authorization.
2/24 Entering A Runway Without Authorization
ATP/CFI Pilot
Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA)
The pilot deviation was reported by the Gateway ATC when the Marchetti Jet entered the runway without ATC authorization.
3/2 Entering A Runway Without Authorization
Private Pilot
Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA)
The pilot deviation was reported by the Gateway ATC when the Cessna entered the runway without ATC authorization.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW ATC INSTRUCTIONS (3)
2/7 Not Complying With ATC Instructions
ATP/CFI Pilot
Mesa Falcon Field (FFZ)
The pilot deviation was reported when the Lancair was instructed to fly straight out, but turned on course without ATC authorization.
2/22 Not Complying With ATC Instructions
Commercial Pilot
Phoenix Deer Valley (DVT)
The pilot deviation was reported by DVT when the Cessna didn’t follow ATC instructions to join the final.
3/5 Not Complying With ATC Instructions
Private Pilot
Out Of California
Mesa Falcon Field (FFZ)
The pilot deviation was reported by FFZ when the Beech King Air overshot the extended runway centerline during his turn inbound and conflicted with a Cessna on final on an adjacent runway.
SURFACE INCIDENT DEVIATIONS (2)
2/10 Taxiing On A Taxiway Without Authorization
Comm/CFI Pilot
Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA)
The pilot deviation was reported by IWA when the Cherokee entered a closed portion of the taxiway without ATC authorization.
3/5 Taxiing On A Taxiway Without Authorization
Private Pilot
Out of Idaho
Tucson International (TUS)
The Pilot deviation was reported by TUS when the Cessna taxied onto a taxiway without ATC authorization.