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 March 14, 2025, through April 10, 2025, there were 19 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 eight out of state pilots that committed these deviations, and one foreign pilot. Of the nineteen deviations reported, there were only three Brashers issued for IFR deviations.
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 reports because there was a need to issue only three Brashers for IFR deviations. Obviously, pilots still don’t get the message to be more careful in their flying. Some of these deviations could be attributed to the “snow birds” that have returned because of the relatively large number of out of state airplanes that were involved. No doubt many of these pilots may not be accustomed to flying in some of the complex/crowded airspace that we have here in Arizona.
I would certainly like to think that the information that we have presented has been valuable to a majority of pilots out there and may make 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 (7)
3/4 Altitude Deviation
Comm/CFI Pilot
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The deviation was reported by the Phoenix TRACON when the Navajo Controller assigned a climb to 7,000 ft and got a good read back, but the King Air climbed to 8,000 feet. Separation was able to be maintained, and the controller issued a Brasher to the pilot
3/9 SID Deviation
ATP/CFI Pilot
Out Of Washington
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The deviation was reported by the Phoenix TRACON when the Citation didn’t fly the Quaky 1 departure as published.
3/12 Altitude Deviation
Private Pilot
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The pilot deviation was reported by the Phoenix TRACON when the Pilatus descended below his assigned altitude, resulting in a loss of separation with terrain/obstacles.
3/19 SID Deviation
Unknown Pilot Certification
Out of Pennsylvania
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The pilot deviation was reported when the Gulfstream didn’t fly the Zeper 2 departure as published.
3/23 Altitude Deviation
Comm/CFI Pilot
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The deviation was reported when the Socata TBM climbed above his assigned altitude of 5,000 ft. There was no loss of separation. The controller issued a Brasher notice.
3/26 Altitude Deviation
ATP Pilot
Out Of Oregon
Albuquerque Center (ZAB)
The Falcon 2000 checked in with the Albuquerque controller at FL300 but was observed descending to FL290. The controller called the prior controller to confirm the assigned altitude was FL300, and then issued a Brasher notice to the pilot for descending without permission.
4/3 Route Deviation
Unknown Pilot Certification
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The deviation was reported when the Cessna 172 turned off course without authorization to avoid possible icing. There was no loss of separation with other traffic.
CLASS BRAVO AIRSPACE DEVIATIONS (2)
3/19 Entering Class Bravo Airspace Without First Having Authorization
Private Pilot
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The pilot deviation was reported when the Cessna 172 entered the Phoenix Class Bravo airspace without first obtaining authorization.
3/25 Entering Class Bravo Airspace Without First Having Authorization
Private Pilot Out Of California
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The pilot deviation was reported when the Cirrus entered the Phoenix Class Bravo airspace without first obtaining authorization.
CLASS DELTA AIRSPACE DEVIATIONS (6)
3/22 Entering Class Delta Airspace Without First Establishing Two-Way Radio Communication
Private Pilot Out Of California
Mesa Falcon Field (FFZ)
The deviation was reported when the Cessna entered the Falcon Field Airspace without first establishing two-way radio communications.
3/22 Entering Class Delta Airspace Without First Establishing Two-Way Radio Communication
Private Pilot Out Of California
Scottsdale Airport (SDL)
The pilot deviation was reported when the Cessna entered the Scottsdale Class Delta Airspace without first establishing two-way radio communications.
3/29 Entering Class Delta Airspace Without First Establishing Two-Way Radio Communication
Private Pilot
Goodyear Airport (GYR)
The pilot deviation was reported when the Robinson Helicopter entered the Goodyear Class Delta Airspace without first establishing two-way radio communications.
4/4 Entering Class Delta Airspace Without First Establishing Two-Way Radio Communication
ATP/CFI Pilot
Chandler Airport (CHD)
The pilot deviation was reported when the Cessna172 entered the Chandler Class Delta Airspace without first establishing two-way radio communications.
4/4 Entering Class Delta Airspace Without First Establishing Two-Way Radio Communication
Unknown Pilot Certification
Scottsdale Airport (SDL)
The pilot deviation was reported when the Cessna 172 entered the Scottsdale Class Delta Airspace without first establishing two-way radio communications.
4/5 Entering Class Delta Airspace Without First Establishing Two-Way Radio Communication
Commercial Pilot Out of Utah
Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT)
The pilot deviation was reported when the Piper Comanche entered the Deer Valley Class Delta Airspace without first establishing two-way radio communications.
RUNWAY INCURSIONS (2)
3/7 Entering A Runway Without Authorization
ATP Pilot
Out Of Nigeria
Tucson International Airport (TUS)
The pilot deviation was reported when the Boeing crossed the hold short line of the runway without ATC authorization.
3/9 Entering A Runway Without Authorization
PrivatePilot
Prescott Airport (PRC)
The pilot deviation was reported when the Lake Buccaneer crossed the hold short line of the runway without ATC authorization.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW ATC INSTRUCTIONS (1)
3/27 Not Complying With ATC Instructions
Unknown Pilot Certification
Out Of Massachusetts
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The deviation was reported when the Citation delayed his turn to a radar defined base which resulted in creating a conflict with traffic to follow.
SURFACE INCIDENT DEVIATION (1)
3/30 Taxiing On A Taxiway Without Authorization
Commercial Pilot
Prescott Airport (PRC)
The pilot deviation was reported when a Beechcraft twin entered a taxiway without ATC authorization.