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 August 13, 2025, through September 11, 2025, there were eighteen pilot deviations reported by the FAA SDL FSDO. These deviations were committed by pilots with certificates ranging from Student Pilot through ATP/CFI, and there were five out of state pilots, a foreign pilot, and a military helicopter pilot that committed some of these deviations. Of the eighteen deviations reported, there were eight 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 need 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 the complex/crowded airspace that we have in Arizona.
I would certainly like to think that the information presented has been valuable to all 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 instructions given. Pilots must always be aware of what type of airspace they are flying in, or maybe 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, and don’t be part of the problem.
The details of the deviations this month are as follows:
IFR DEVIATIONS (2)
8/17 IFR Altitude Deviation
ATP/CFI Pilot
Out Of Florida
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The Gulfstream was inbound to PHX via the PINGG arrival and descended through 5,000 to 4,700, and the controller recognized a problem and issued a climb to maintain 5,000. The Gulfstream continued the flight and landed safely at Sky Harbor. PHX ATCT issued the Brasher to the pilot after landing.
8/25 IFR - Altitude Deviation
Foreign Pilot
No Pilot Certification Available
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The Citation climbed above his assigned altitude of 4,000 feet, resulting in a loss of separation with an air carrier inbound to Phoenix Sky Harbor. The Citation was later climbed to 6,000 and put on course. The TRACON controller issued the Brasher prior to a frequency change.
PHOENIX CLASS BRAVO AIRSPACE DEVIATIONS (5)
8/14 Entering Class Bravo Airspace Without First Having Authorization
Private Pilot
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
A Piper pilot violated the Phoenix Class Bravo Airspace, and there was no loss of separation.
8/31 Entering Class Bravo Airspace Without First Having Authorization
Private Pilot Out Of California
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The Mooney violated the Phoenix Class Bravo Airspace by transitioning from the northeast towards the southwest, and the aircraft crossed over Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport without radio communication with PHX ATCT or the TRACON. It was tagged as an airspace violator by a controller at the TRACON, and the aircraft callsign was obtained through ADS-B data. Communication attempts were made by the TRACON on the Guard frequency and the PHX ATCT frequency without any response. The aircraft could not be visibly located, as it appeared to have its lights off. The aircraft continued to fly southwest bound. A Brasher warning could not be issued.
9/1 Entering Class Bravo Airspace Without First Having Authorization
Private Pilot
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The Bonanza departed Chandler airport VFR squawking 1200 and was northbound. They climbed to 6,500 ft. into the 4,000-9,000 shelf of the Phoenix Class Bravo Airspace without first receiving a clearance. When they were level at 6,500, they called the Phoenix TRACON for flight following to Payson. They were issued the Brasher warning. The pilot stated the ink was smeared on his pilot certificate and he didn’t know the number.
9/4 Entering Class Bravo Airspace Without First Having Authorization
Private Pilot Out Of Massachusetts
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The Carbon Cub entered the Phoenix Class Bravo Airspace without authorization. The location was Tolleson.
9/6 Entering Class Bravo Airspace Without First Having Authorization
Commercial Pilot
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The Pipistrel flew into the Phoenix Class Bravo Airspace at 4,500 ft. in the 3,400-09,000 ft. box northeast of PHX.
CLASS DELTA AIRSPACE DEVIATIONS (3)
8/23 Entering Class Delta Airspace Without First Establishing Two-Way Radio Communication
Student Pilot
Chandler Airport (CHD)
A Piper entered the Chandler Class Delta Airspace from the north at 2,600 ft. and exited the airspace at 2,800 ft on the south without first contacting Chandler ATC. The Phoenix TRACON was notified, and they were able to communicate with the Piper, and they had the Piper contact the Chandler tower. Chandler tower issued a Brasher notice to the pilot who was on a student solo flight.
8/31 Entering Class Delta Airspace Without First Establishing Two-Way Radio Communication
Comm/CFI Pilot
Out Of California
Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT)
The Cessna was approximately five miles southwest of Deer Valley Airport, and the aircraft entered the Deer Valley Class Delta Airspace without first establishing communication with a Controller. Multiple attempts were made to contact the Cessna, and communication was eventually established. Once contact was made, the aircraft was issued a landing clearance and the Cessna landed without incident and taxied to parking.
9/6 Entering Class Delta Airspace Without First Establishing Two-Way Radio Communication
Private Pilot
Scottsdale Airport (SDL)
A Bonanza entered the Scottsdale Class Delta Airspace without establishing two-way radio communications. Scottsdale ground control contacted Deer Valley ATC to advise them of the situation and requested that Deer Valley issue a Brasher warning to the Bonanza upon its landing. Deer Valley Tower issued a Brasher Warning to the Bonanza.
RUNWAY INCURSIONS (5)
8/11 Entering A Runway Without Authorization
ATP Pilot
Scottsdale Airport (SDL)
The tower controller instructed the Gulfstream to line up and wait, and the read back was correct. The Gulfstream began the departure roll, and the controller observed the Gulfstream rolling and issued a takeoff clearance. After the Gulfstream was airborne, the pilot asked if they were initially given a takeoff clearance, and the controller let them know they were not. The Controller issued a Brasher.
8/13 Entering A Runway Without Authorization
Private Pilot
Flagstaff Airport (FLG)
The Piper did a full stop and taxi back, and on the taxi back they requested taxiway A2. He was given, taxi to A2, and was told how many feet of RWY was remaining. The Piper then proceeds directly onto the runway at A2 and attempted to takeoff. The aircraft was advised they were not cleared for takeoff, and they taxied to A3, and off the RWY. Another aircraft was on a right base to the RWY. A Brasher was issued.
8/14 Entering A Runway Without Authorization
Comm/CFI Pilot
Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA)
The deviation was reported when the Piper was only cleared to land, with a good read back, but after landing the aircraft started to take off again as part of a touch & go procedure.
8/17 Entering A Runway Without Authorization
Student Pilot
Mesa Falcon Field (FFZ)
A Piper was holding short at the end of the RWY, waiting to cross to parking. A student solo was holding short of the approach end of the RWY waiting to depart, and another aircraft was on a 1- 1/2 mile final. The controller issued crossing instructions to the Piper and received 2 readbacks. The controller once again instructed the Piper only to cross, and again received two read backs. At this point, the ground controller noticed the Piper crossing at the departure end and informed the controller. The controller responded by sending the aircraft on final around. The aircraft holding for takeoff had mistakenly taken the instructions for Piper and had crossed the runway. The controller then instructed the student to continue the crossing, make a 180° turn, and hold short of the RWY. The student then reached out on the Ground Control frequency and was reissued the Hold Short instructions. Upon receipt of the read back, the student was instructed to monitor the tower.
8/18 Entering A Runway Without Authorization
Comm/CFI Pilot
Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA)
The Piper called the controller inbound requesting multiple touch and goes. The controller instructed the Piper to enter left base for the left runway, and the read back was correct. On short final for the left runway, the Piper asked the controller if they were cleared to land on the left runway. The controller replied affirmatively, cleared to land, but the Piper conducted a touch and go. The controller issued a Brasher warning.
SURFACE INCIDENT (3)
8/13 Wrong Surface Landing
Comm/CFI Pilot
Mesa Falcon Field Airport (FFZ)
A Stearman landed on a taxiway after being cleared to land on the adjacent RWY. The Stearman overflew two aircraft: A Cessna and a Piper who were both holding short of the RWY. No other aircraft were utilizing the taxiway as the Stearman completed its landing roll and taxied to the ramp without further incident.
8/14 Failure To Follow Taxi Instructions
Commercial Pilot
Out Of Florida
Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA)
The Mitsubishi Turbo Prop was instructed to taxi to the RWY via Taxiway Y, Y2, B, and to hold short of taxiway G, with a good read back. The Mitsubishi was observed taxing on Taxiway Y directly to Taxiway G. Ground Control attempted to hold the Mitsubishi before entering Taxiway G, but they were not on frequency or failed to respond. The Mitsubishi was observed turning onto Taxiway G and then contacting the tower for departure.
8/20 Wrong Surface Landing
No Pilot Information (Military Pilot)
Tucson International (TUS)
The controller had cleared the Blackhawk Helicopter for the option on RWY 12 and approved a sidestep to the Jet Center. When the Blackhawk was on an approximate 1/2 mile final for the RWY, the pilot advised the controller that they were breaking off the RWY arrival and heading directly to the Jet Center. The controller informed the Blackhawk that landing at the Jet Center would be at their own risk. The pilot read back their callsign, and the Blackhawk landed on a taxiway in front of an airplane taxiing south on the same taxiway.