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 October 3, 2025, through November 14, 2025, there were nineteen deviations reported by the FAA SDL FSDO. These deviations were committed by pilots with certificates ranging from Student Pilot through ATP, and there were eight out of state pilots. Of the nineteen deviations reported, there were eight 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.
I wish pilots would get the message to be more careful while 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 (3)
October 18 IFR Altitude Deviation
Comm/CFI Pilot
Out Of Washington
Albuquerque Center (ZAB)
The Cessna Caravan was assigned a block altitude of FL190-FL220 for maneuvering for survey work. The Caravan descended to FL180 without a clearance. The pilot stated that they needed to be at FL180 for the segment. A BRASHER warning was issued.
October 30 IFR SID Deviation
ATP Pilot
Out of Michigan
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The Hawker turned northbound immediately after departure deviating from his departure clearance. This put him into conflict with an aircraft that was being vectored back to PHX with a fuel issue. The Hawker did not fly the ZEPER TWO departure as published.
November 6 IFR SID Deviation
Private Pilot
Out of Texas
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The Baron was assigned the MARICOPA 1 SID off of Scottsdale. The pilot didn’t fly the SID as published, and the controller verified that the pilot had terrain in sight and instructed the pilot to maintain visual separation with the terrain, and expedited his climb. The aircraft was turned northbound once above the MVA, and the TRACON controller verified that the pilot had been issued the MARICOPA 1 SID. The pilot confirmed he had loaded it in his system, but wasn’t sure why it didn’t load.
PHOENIX CLASS BRAVO AIRSPACE DEVIATIONS (2)
October 1 Entering Class Bravo Airspace Without First Having Authorization
Private Pilot
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The Cessna while flying from Chandler Airport to Mesa Falcon Field had entered the Phoenix Class B Airspace in the 4,000-9,000 ft. block. They had climbed above 4,000 feet because of having an improper barometric pressure setting in the altimeter.
CLASS DELTA AIRSPACE DEVIATION (8)
October 4 Entering Class Delta Airspace Without First Establishing Two-Way Radio Communication
Student Pilot
Chandler Municipal Airport (CHD)
Without first establishing radio communications a Piper entered the Chandler Airport airspace, and entered the down wind leg, and turned base. Multiple attempts on multiple frequencies were made to communicate, and the controller assumed the aircraft was NORDO (without radio), and issued a Light Gun signal to land. The pilot then came on frequency to verify the landing clearance. A Brasher was issued by Ground Control.
October 6 Entering Class Delta Airspace Without First Establishing Two-Way Radio Communication
Private Pilot
Out Of Utah
Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT)
A Deer Valley controller observed a Cessna violating the Deer Valley Class D Airspace on the south side, and the aircraft was observed going to Scottsdale. The Deer Valley controller notified Scottsdale ATC, and Scottsdale gave the aircraft a Brasher warning
October 10 Entering Class Delta Airspace Without First Establishing Two-Way Radio Communication
ATP/CFI Pilot
Out Of Idaho
Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA)
The Citation entered the Gateway Class Delta Airspace from the southeast, and the controller attempted to contact the Citation without success. The aircraft was observed joining the final into Pegasus Airport (5AZ).
October 17 Entering Class Delta Airspace Without First Establishing Two-Way Radio Communication
Comm/CFI Pilot
Out Of Colorado
Mesa Falcon Field (FFZ)
The Cessna entered, and flew thru the Mesa Falcon Field Class D Airspace without first establishing radio contact, and it appeared it was headed for Chandler Airport. Chandler ATC was asked to issue the Brasher to the pilot.
October 17 Entering Class Delta Airspace Without First Establishing Two-Way Radio Communication
Comm/CFI Pilot
Out Of Colorado
Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA)
The same Cessna entered, and flew thru the Mesa Gateway Class D Airspace without first establishing radio contact, and it appeared it was headed for Chandler Airport. Chandler ATC was again asked to issue the Brasher to the pilot.
October 31 Entering Class Delta Airspace Without First Establishing Two-Way Radio Communication
Private Pilot
Mesa Falcon Field (FFZ)
The helicopter was observed entering the Falcon Field Class Delta Airspace without first establishing two-way radio communications. Several aircraft needed to be turned to avoid the helicopter’s maneuvers.
November 1 Entering Class Delta Airspace Without First Establishing Two-Way Radio Communication
Private Pilot
Chandler Airport (CHD)
A Piper was observed entering the Chandler Delta Airspace while it was en route to Falcon Field. The Chandler controller attempted to contact the Piper without success. Falcon Field was contacted, and was told that the aircraft would be making contact with them. Falcon Field issued the Brasher for Chandler.
November 3 Entering Class Delta Airspace Without First Establishing Two-Way Radio Communication
Commercial Pilot
Out of Alaska
Scottsdale Airport (SDL)
The Saratoga departed Scottsdale and flew directly to Phoenix Deer Valley Airport. The Deer Valley controller attempted to contact the Piper without success. The controller in charge contacted Deer Valley, and advised them to give the aircraft a Brasher.
ATC INSTRUCTIONS (1)
October 8 Failure to Follow ATC Instructions
Unknown Pilot Certification
Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT)
At Deer Valley a flight of four P51 airplanes were cleared to land on the south runway (RWY 25L). Two of the P51’s turned onto final for RWY 25L. Two of the following P51’s turned onto the same final but then began a right turn, and went into the final for RWY 25R. A school airplane that was in the north pattern and turned onto a right base for RWY 25R. Because of a possible conflict the school airplane was issued a go-around and re-enter the pattern to land on RWY 25R. The two P51’s were instructed to climb to 3,000 feet, and turn southbound. The two P51’s did not follow the instructions, but turned onto final. The controller then sent them around and had them reenter the pattern for a full stop landing.
RUNWAY INCURSIONS (2)
October 2 Entering A Runway Without Authorization
Student Pilot
Chandler Municipal Airport (CHD)
A Piper called that they were ready for take off. The aircraft was instructed to hold short of RWY 4L, and the read back was correct. The pilot of the Piper then taxied onto the runway causing a Piper Cub to be sent around.
October 27 Using A Runway Without Authorization
Commercial/CFI Pilot
Prescott Airport (PRC)
Less than three minutes after a Learjet had departed the runway, the controller instructed the Diamond Light twin was cleared for a low approach because of possible wake turbulence, and the Diamond read back cleared for a low approach. The Diamond then conducted a touch and go to the runway approximately two minutes behind the departing Learjet. The controller issued the Brasher warning to the Diamond pilot.
SURFACE INCIDENT (1)
October 10 Entering A Taxiway Without Authorization
Student Pilot
Mesa Falcon Field Airport (FFZ)
The solo student pilot entered the taxiway without authorization. The instructor of Piper was on the ramp and contacted Ground Control (GC) asking them to tell the Piper to stop and hold position. Ground Control reached out to the Piper on the taxiway, and instructed them to hold position. The student was supposed to contact the instructor on the ramp before departure.
WRONG SURFACE LANDING (1)
October 23 Landing On The Wrong Surface Without Authorization
Comm/CFI Pilot
Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA)
The Piper was cleared for a touch and go on the center runway with a good read back. The controller observed the Piper was over the left runway, and issued a go around. The Piper was over the threshold but didn’t land.
VEHICLE/PEDESTRIAN DEVIATION (1)
October 28 A Vehicle/Pedestrian On A Movement Area Without Authorization
Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX)
The deviation was reported when Air Traffic Control observed two airline personnel enter a taxiway without authorization.