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 June 13, 2025, through July 10, 2025, there were eighteen pilot deviations reported by the FAA SDL FSDO. These deviations were committed by pilots with certificates ranging from Private Pilot through Commercial Pilot. There were seven out-of-state pilots, one foreign pilot, and military pilots that committed these deviations. Of the eighteen 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.
Obviously, pilots don’t get the message to be more careful in their flying. Some of these deviations could be attributed to out-of-state pilots that 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 presented has been valuable to the pilots out there and will make them safer pilots.
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 observe the airport, and runway markings, and signs and obey them. 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)
6/2 IFR - Inadequate Climb For Terrain
Comm/CFI Pilot Certification
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The Piper didn’t climb at the published climb gradient resulting in a loss of separation with terrain/obstacles.
6/7 Route/Altitude Deviation
Private Pilot
Out of Utah
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The Eclipse Jet didn’t fly the BRUSR One Arrival as published.
6/11 Route Deviation
Private Pilot
Out Of Florida
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The Cessna departed and continued on the runway heading instead of turning to comply with the published Keens-Three departure procedure.
6/22 Route Deviation
Commercial Pilot
Out of Oklahoma
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
While the TBM-700 was conducting an ILS approach, the pilot overshot the Localizer during his turn inbound.
6/22 Departure Deviation
No Pilot Information
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The Metroliner did not fly the SACAT-3 Departure as published which conflicted with the Phoenix Sky Harbor departure traffic.
6/25 Departure Deviation
Unknown Pilot Certification
Out of Colorado
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The Falcon-900 did not fly the SACAT-3 Departure as published resulting in a loss of separation with traffic in bound to Phoenix Sky Harbor.
CLASS BRAVO AIRSPACE DEVIATIONS (1)
6/12 Entering Class Bravo Airspace Without First Having Authorization
Commercial Pilot
Out of California
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The deviation was reported when the Cirrus SR-22 entered the Phoenix Class Bravo Airspace without first having ATC authorization.
CLASS DELTA AIRSPACE DEVIATIONS (2)
6/27 Entering Class Delta Airspace Without First Establishing Two-Way Radio Communication
Commercial Pilot
Scottsdale Airport (SDL)
The Cessna entered the Scottsdale Class Delta Airspace without first establishing two-way radio communications.
7/4 Entering Class Delta Airspace Without First Establishing Two-Way Radio Communication
Commercial Pilot
Out of California
Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA)
The Cessna entered the Gateway Class Delta Airspace without first establishing two-way radio communications.
RUNWAY INCURSIONS (3)
6/5 Entering A Runway Without Authorization
Private Pilot
Tucson International Airport (TUS)
The deviation was reported when the Piper took off without a clearance, and conducted a touch and go without ATC authorization
6/24 Entering A Runway Without Authorization
Commercial Pilot
Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT)
The Piper entered the runway without ATC Authorization.
7/3 Entering A Runway Without Authorization
Unknown Pilot Certification
Chandler Airport (CHD)
The Piper failed to clear the runway after landing and also crossed the hold short line of another runway without authorization.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW ATC INSTRUCTIONS (5)
6/7 Not Complying with ATC Instructions
Commercial Pilot
Out Of British Columbia
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The Piper failed to follow the ATC assigned departure course.
6/11 Not Complying with ATC Instructions
Military Pilot
Tucson TRACON (U90)
The Military Aircraft conducted a Parachute Jump operation in the Vicinity of the Marana Airport without contacting ATC, as required in 14 CFR Section 105.13.
6/15 Not Complying with ATC Instructions & Runway Incursion
Private Pilot
Out of Utah
Mesa Falcon Field (FFZ)
A Cirrus failed to clear the runway after landing and then crossed the hold short line of the same runway when re-entering the runway, causing a conflict with a Piper. The closest estimated proximity was approximately 125 feet lateral.
6/27 Not Complying with ATC Instructions
Unknown Pilot Certification
Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT)
The Phoenix TRACON reported the Piper did not comply with ATC Instructions.
6/30 Not Complying with ATC Instructions
Unknown Pilot Certification
Tucson Ryan Field (RYN)
The Cirrus failed to clear the runway after landing.
TAXI WITHOUT CLEARANCE (1)
6/29 Taxi Without A Clearance
Unknown Pilot Certification
Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA)
The deviation was reported when a Regional Airliner entered a taxiway without ATC authorization.