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 September 12, 2025, through October 2, 2025, there were twelve pilot deviations reported by the FAA SDL FSDO. These deviations were committed by pilots with certificates ranging from Private Pilot through ATP, and there were six out of state pilots, a foreign pilot, and a military pilot that committed these deviations. Of the twelve deviations reported, there were five Brashers issued.
Note: Most of these pilot deviations were resolved during a discussion between the controller, and the pilot at the time of the occurrence. However, a controller may 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.
It’s obvious that some pilots still haven’t gotten the message to be more careful in their flying. Perhaps 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 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 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, and don’t be part of the problem.
The details of the deviations this month are as follows:
IFR DEVIATIONS (1)
September 11
IFR SID Deviation
Commercial Pilot
Out Of Texas
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The BE200 Altair departed SDL on the KATMN6 departure and was told by the SDL tower to turn right to a heading of 335°. The aircraft turned left instead. Later the pilot said, because of the heat, he was concerned about the aircraft performance on the climb and accidentally began a left turn instead of a right turn.
PHOENIX CLASS BRAVO AIRSPACE DEVIATIONS (2)
September 17
Entering Class Bravo Airspace Without First Having Authorization
ATP Pilot
Out Of California
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
A Bonanza flew into the Phoenix Class Bravo Airspace at 5,500 in the 3,000-9,000 and 5,000-9,000 blocks approximately 11 miles southwest of PHX without a clearance.
September 21
Entering Class Bravo Airspace Without First Having Authorization
Military Pilot
Out Of Texas
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
A Military T6 Texan II was VFR squawking 1200 and flew through the 6,000-9,000 block of the Class Bravo Airspace to the east of PHX without authorization. An Albuquerque Center controller issued the Brasher warning, and the pilot would only give the name "Navy Pilots."
CLASS DELTA AIRSPACE DEVIATION (1)
September 11
Entering Class Delta Airspace Without First Establishing Two-Way Radio Communication
Commercial Pilot Out of California
Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT)
The Cessna entered the Deer Valley Class D Airspace from the southeast at approximately 3,200 ft without establishing radio communication with DVT. The aircraft flew west through the Class Delta Airspace and then flew northwest towards the LUKE SATR. The aircraft then contacted Phoenix Approach Control and was issued a Brasher.
ATC INTRUCTIONS (4)
September 12
Failure to Follow ATC Instructions
Comm/CFI Pilot
Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA)
The Piper landed and was instructed to exit at TWY Kilo because another aircraft close in trail was also landing. The Piper acknowledged, and correctly read back the instructions, but exited at TWY Hotel instead. Fortunately, the Piper was off the runway before the other aircraft crossed over the threshold.
September 17
Failure To Follow ATC Instructions
No Pilot Information
Tucson International Airport (TUS)
A Piper entered the TUS airspace on a 2 mile right base instead of a midfield right downwind. The Piper was not on the tower frequently, and this deviation did not appear to result in a loss of separation, however a regional jet was on a 4 mile final, and it appeared it was going to be in conflict with the Piper. The TRACON instructed the tower to send the regional jet around to resolve the conflict, and the TRACON also asked the Tower to issue a Brasher to the Piper, which was issued by ground control.
September 19
Failure To Follow ATC Instructions
Commercial/CFI Pilot
Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA)
A Piper was instructed to fly straight out while in the upwind, with a good read back. The Piper was then observed turning a right crosswind which would put them in conflict with traffic that was crossing over the airport to join the right downwind.
September 19
Failure To Follow ATC Instructions
No Pilot Information (Foreign Pilot)
Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX)
The Hawker 800 was inbound to PHX from the north, expecting RWY25, and had a possible loss of separation with a Boeing 737 inbound to PHX from the north for RWY26. The Hawker was turned and told to join the RWY25 localizer, but the Hawker appeared to join the RWY26 localizer. At this point the controller turned the Hawker southbound on a 170° heading and called traffic to the Boeing 737, which reported the aircraft was in sight. The controller did not instruct the Boeing 737 to maintain visual separation with Hawker. The closest proximity between the two aircraft was 2.77 NM and 400 feet.
RUNWAY INCURSIONS (4)
September 13
Entering A Runway Without Authorization
Private Pilot
Out Of Nebraska
Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT)
A Socata TBM was awaiting an IFR release, but was blocking a taxiway. Ground Control issued instructions to the TBM to taxi forward, and to hold short of the RWY. The TBM taxied past the hold-short bars, and came to a stop prior to the RWY edge. Another aircraft was on a 1/2-mile final, and the controller initiated a go-around to the aircraft on final, and the TBM7 was issued a Brasher by the controller.
September 15
Entering A Runway Without Authorization
Private Pilot
Flagstaff Airport (FLG)
A Cessna 206 entered the runway at an intersection without authorization or clearance, and began an attempted takeoff, while a Piper was on a short final to the same runway. The Piper made a go around due to the Cessna runway incursion, and the Cessna aborted the takeoff roll, and exited the runway at the next intersection.
September 19
Entering A Runway Without Authorization
Private Pilot Out Of Wisconsin
Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT)
The deviation was reported by Deer Valley when the Bonanza crossed the hold short line of the runway without authorization.
September 24
Entering A Runway Without Authorization
Private Pilot
Tucson International Airport (TUS)
The Bonanza was issued instructions to taxi to the runway at taxiway A3. The Bonanza was having a hard time finding taxiway A3, and Ground Control amended the taxi instructions to taxi to the runway at taxiway Delta, and GC received a proper read back. GC reiterated instructions to hold short of the runway, but the Bonanza taxied across the hold short bar anyway. GC taxied the Bonanza off of the runway and issued the Brasher statement.