by Jim Timm
It is important to examine pilot deviations to determine if a common thread exists that we can address to help reduce the number of deviations and enhance aviation safety.
Because we didn’t have a BOD meeting in July, as just about everyone went to the EAA AirVenture fly-in at Oshkosh, this report will be much abbreviated in the details provided.
In the reporting period from June 14, 2024, through July11, 2024, there were eleven pilot deviations reported by the FAA SDL FSDO. These deviations were committed by pilots with certificates ranging from Student Pilot through Commercial/CFI, and there were three out of state pilots, and two foreign pilots that committed these deviations. Of the eleven deviations reported, three Brashers were 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, and collect information and their thoughts for their future interaction with FAA Flight Standards inspector.
Pilots need to listen carefully to ATC instructions and comply with them, and if you can’t comply, tell ATC why you can’t. Also, when flying in controlled airspace, pilots should never be creative, but talk to ATC before they do something that differs 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.
The details of the deviations this month are as follows:
IFR DEVIATION (2)
6/20 Altitude Deviation
Private Pilot
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The pilot descended below his assigned altitude, and lost separation with terrain/obstacles.
6/27 Altitude Deviation
Private Pilot
Out of Idaho - Albuquerque Center (ZAB)
The Cessna was cleared to FL200 but incorrectly climbed to FL202, and separation was lost with a Piper at FL210. A Brasher was issued
CLASS ALPHA AIRSPACE DEVIATION (1)
6/18 Entering Class Alpha Airspace Without Authorization
Pilot Certification Unknown
Out of Mexico
Tucson TRACON (P90)
The pilot deviation was reported when the Gulfstream jet climbed VFR into Class Alpha Airspace without authorization.
CLASS BRAVO AIRSPACE DEVIATION (1)
6/19 Entering Class Bravo Airspace Without Authorization
Private Pilot
Out of Florida
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The pilot deviation was reported by the Phoenix TRACON when the Piper entered the Class Bravo Airspace without authorization. A Brasher was issued.
CLASS DELTA AIRSPACE DEVIATIONS (3)
The first two deviations were committed by a foreign pilot, who on a single flight violated the Delta Airspace of both adjacent airports, and at the last airport, he also committed a runway incursion.
6/14 Entering Class Delta Airspace Without First Establishing Two-Way Radio Communication
Pilot Certification Unknown
Out of New Caledonia
Phoenix Goodyear (GYR)
The pilot deviation was reported by Goodyear airport when the pilot entered their Delta Airspace unannounced and conflicted with traffic in the pattern.
6/14 Entering Class Delta Airspace Without First Establishing Two-Way Radio Communication
Pilot Certification Unknown
Out of New Caledonia
Glendale Airport (GEU)
The pilot left the GYR Delta airspace and entered the GEU Delta Airspace without prior approval and landed on a runway opposite the flow of traffic without ATC authorization. This event resulted in both a Delta Airspace deviation and a Runway Incursion deviation.
6/22 Entering Class Delta Airspace Without First Establishing Two-Way Radio Communication
Student Pilot
Phoenix/Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA)
The Piper entered the IWA Class Delta Airspace without first establishing two-way radio communications.
RUNWAY INCURSION (2)
6/17 Entering the Runway Without Authorization
Private Pilot
Chandler Airport (CHD)
The Cessna entered the runway without ATC authorization.
6/25 Entering the Runway Without Authorization
Commercial/CFI Pilot
Phoenix/Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA)
The pilot deviation was reported when the Piper was cleared to land, but instead they made a touch and go. A Brasher was issued.
OVERSHOT RUNWAY (1)
7/7 Overshot the Runway Landing
Pilot Certification Unknown
Out of Montana
Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX)
A Cessna overshot the runway and started a go around, which resulted in an air carrier getting a Resolution Alert (RA) and having to execute a go around. This action was reported as a NMAC.
SURFACE INCIDENT (1)
6/29 Entrance on the Airport Without Authorization
Unidentified Person
Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX)
An unauthorized individual was observed on the airside of the airport. When attempting to apprehend him, he attempted to enter an air carrier aircraft, but was stopped by airline personnel and held for law enforcement officers.