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 July 11, 2025, through August 12, 2025, there were thirty-one 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 four out of state pilots, a flight of four military pilots, and one military helicopter pilot that committed these deviations. Of the thirty one deviations reported, there were twelve 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 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 (5)
7/7 IFR Clearance & Restricted Airspace
Unknown Pilot Certification
Gila Bend (E63)
The Cessna was cleared for the visual approach into Gila Bend Municipal Airport. After being switched to the advisory frequency they maneuvered to the airport in a way that put them within 0.6 miles of R2305 which was active from FL240 and below, thus violating the Restricted Airspace. A Brasher warning was unable to be issued.
7/14 IFR - SID Deviation
ATP/CFI Pilot Certification
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The Citation flew the BROAK departure rather than the FORPE departure as they had filed. The Navajo Controller at the Phoenix TRACON coordinated with Albuquerque Center on the route. The Navajo Controller issued the Brasher warning.
7/18 IFR - SID Deviation
Private Pilot
Out Of California
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The Cirrus Vision Jet departed Deer Valley on the DVT3 departure and was assigned 5,000 feet. There was no initial check-in, and the aircraft continued a climb without instructions up to 7,400 ft. At that time the aircraft checked in, and the controller identified the aircraft, and descended them to their assigned altitude. The Brasher warning was issued by the TRACON Biltmore sector controller.
7/22 Route Deviation
Unknown Pilot Certification
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The deviation was reported by the TRACON when the Embraer Regional Jet failed to follow the QUAKY 1 Standard Instrument Departure (SID) out of Sky Harbor.
8/11 Route Deviation
Private Pilot
Albuquerque Center (ZAB)
The Citation was cleared via KSDL, MAYSA7, RRSTA, EED, KHII check points with a good read back. After RRSTA, the Citation went direct to KHII, putting them in proximity to the BAGDAD SUA. The ZAB sector controller turned the Citation to avoid the SUA.
CLASS BRAVO AIRSPACE DEVIATIONS (2)
7/13 Entering Class Bravo Airspace Without First Having Authorization
Comm/CFI Pilot
Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX)
An Air Ambulance Helicopter was observed entering the Phoenix Class B airspace from the southeast and landed at Banner Desert Hospital without calling/coordinating with the PHX ATCT. There were multiple attempts made to establish communication with the aircraft on different frequencies with no response. The identity of the aircraft was obtained through the STARS ADS-B. A Brasher warning was issued after the helicopter departed Banner Desert and requested a HELO 1 departure.
7/25 Entering Class Bravo Airspace Without First Having Authorization
Private Pilot
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The Cessna entered the Phoenix Class B Airspace without authorization approximately 8 miles east of PHX in the 2,700-9,000 block at 3,600 ft. MSL.
CLASS DELTA AIRSPACE DEVIATIONS (3)
7/20 Entering Class Delta Airspace Without First Establishing Two-Way Radio Communication
Private Pilot
Mesa Falcon Field Airport (FFZ)
The Cirrus entered the Falcon Field Class D Airspace without first establishing two-way radio communications. There was no loss of separation. The Brasher issued by Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA).
8/10 Entering Class Delta Airspace Without First Establishing Two-Way Radio Communication
Private Pilot
Out Of California
Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT)
The Bonanza entered the Deer Valley Class D Airspace from the Southeast without first establishing communication at 3,000 feet heading Northwest. The airplane exited the airspace to the North at 3,600 feet.
8/11 Entering Class Delta Airspace Without First Establishing Two-Way Radio Communication
Private Pilot
Out Of California
Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT)
A Cessna transited the Deer Valley Class Delta Airspace from the west to the east at 3,000 ft. Numerous attempts were made to contact the Cessna with no success. The Scottsdale ATC issued the Brasher.
RUNWAY INCURSIONS (6)
7/11 Entering A Runway Without Authorization
Unknown Pilot Certification
Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA)
The pilot deviation was reported when a Piper departed a runway without authorization.
7/12 Entering A Runway Without Authorization
Student Pilot
Chandler Airport (CHD)
The Piper landed on RWY 22L, and when leaving the RWY he was told to hold short of RWY 22R. However, the pilot crossed the hold short line for RWY 22R, but did remain off the RWY.
7/19 Entering A Runway Without Authorization
No Pilot Certification Required
Mesa Falcon Field (FFZ)
A motor vehicle crossed the runway without ATC authorization.
7/22 Entering A Runway Without Authorization
Commercial Pilot
Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT)
A Cessna aborted the takeoff due to a wheel issue. The Cessna was instructed to exit the runway and to contact ground control. It exited the runway, shut down their engine, and came to a stop approximately 10' short of the runway hold short lines, thus remaining in the RSA. Prior to the Cessna re-starting their engine and exiting the RSA, A Piper departed the same runway. No overflight occurred, but the closest estimated proximity was 340 ft.
7/30 Entering A Runway Without Authorization
Student Pilot
Goodyear Airport (GYR)
A Cirrus student pilot contacted the controller that they were holding short of the runway. The controller instructed the Cirrus to hold short of the runway, and the read back was correct. A Cessna was inbound to the same runway and was on an approximate 1/2 mile final when the pilot announced that they were going around. The Cirrus had taxied onto and lined up on the runway. The controller then asked the Cessna to say again, and the Cessna said they were going around. The controller then instructed the Cessna to go around on the right side of the runway, and the controller then cleared the Cirrus for takeoff.
8/11 Entering A Runway Without Authorization
Comm/CFI Pilot
Flagstaff Airport (FLG)
A Mooney Departed Runway 21 without ATC authorization. A Brasher warning was issued by Phoenix Approach.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW ATC INSTRUCTIONS (8)
7/18 Not Complying with ATC Instructions
Student Pilot
Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA)
A Piper turned in front of traffic they were assigned to follow.
7/24 Not Complying with ATC instructions
Comm/CFI Pilot
Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA)
A Piper Cherokee was assigned to "fly straight out;” however, the Piper turned left without authorization.
7/24 Not Complying with ATC Instructions (NORDO)
Unknown Pilot Certification
Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA)
An Air Ambulance Helicopter was inbound for pattern work on a taxiway and was instructed to make left traffic for the taxiway and was then instructed to contact the tower on 124.75. The helicopter never checked in on the frequency and landed on the taxiway without acknowledging the towers option clearance. Attempts to contact them were made through several primary radio on frequencies, a backup radio frequency, the emergency frequency, and a light gun. No acknowledgement was received. The helicopter departed the taxiway into the pattern, and after being airborne they were able to establish communications on 124.75. A Brasher was issued.
8/1 Not Complying with ATC instructions
Comm/CFI Pilot
Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA)
The Cessna was instructed to follow traffic to their left, and taxi to the ramp, with a good read back. The Cessna cut off the traffic they were instructed to follow, and did not comply with ATC instructions. Ground Control issued the Brasher warning.
8/2 Not Complying With ATC instructions
Student Pilot
Mesa Falcon Field (FFZ)
The Cessna reported inbound from the east with Runway 22 in use. The controller issued instructions for the aircraft to enter a midfield downwind. As the Cessna approached the airport, it began to turn toward the crosswind leg, conflicting with a Piper aircraft on the left crosswind for 22L. The controller promptly corrected the pilot, instructing them to follow the Piper, and join the downwind. The Cessna then turned left toward another Piper on the upwind leg, prompting the controller to issue a traffic alert. The controller again corrected the aircraft's path. The Cessna continued to fly at an unusually low altitude and followed an incorrect traffic pattern. After multiple missed approaches, the pilot successfully landed the aircraft.
A Brasher was issued by Ground Control.
8/2 Not Complying With ATC instructions
Unknown Pilot Certification
Phoenix Deer Valley (DVT)
The Mooney landed, and taxied clear of the runway, and was issued instructions to taxi to ramp 6, and the read back was correct. However, the pilot continued on a taxiway, and conflicted with Piper Cherokee.
8/4 Not Complying with ATC instructions
Private Pilot Certification
Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA)
The Cirrus vacated the runway and contacted ground control for taxi instructions. Ground control provided a taxiway clearance to the FBO, however the Cirrus taxied straight ahead through a paved infield, non-movement area. Ground control then re-issued the taxi instructions to the FBO.
8/6 Not Complying with ATC instructions
Unknown Pilot Certification
Tucson TRACON (U90)
A flight of 4/F16's, while on a downwind, had one element fly southeast bound and departed the Tucson Class C Airspace without notifying ATC. A Brasher was issued by the Tucson Tower.
SURFACE INCIDENT (2)
7/23 Taxi On a Taxiway Without A Clearance
Unknown Pilot Certification
Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA)
The military helicopter was instructed by the tower controller to exit the runway, transition to ground taxi, and contact ground control. The helicopter was observed taxing on a taxiway without authorization, and another aircraft was stopped to avoid a conflict. Ground Control issued a Brasher to the helicopter when it came over to their frequency.
8/12 Took Off On a Taxiway Without a Clearance (Covered In Accidents)
ATP/CFI Pilot
Phoenix Goodyear Airport (GYR)
The Pitts S-1T departed from Goodyear on a taxiway without contacting ATC. The pilot didn’t have a headset, and the transponder was turned off after takeoff. After the crash, concerns were expressed about the pilot’s mental state. There was one hour fuel on board, and the ensuing crash was near Goodyear airport. There were very few details provided concerning the crash, which was presumed to be a suicide.
TFR DEVIATIONS (2)
7/7 Entering a TFR without Approval
Private Pilot
Albuquerque Center (ZAB)
The Cessna called an Albuquerque Center Controller for VFR flight following at 9,500 ft while inside the LUCY Canyon TFR which was active from 12,000 ft. and below per a current NOTAM. Violation of the TFR happened 15 miles southwest of Show Low Regional Airport. A BRASHER WARNING was issued.
7/22 Entering a TFR without Approval
ATP Pilot
Near Payson
The Lancair flew through the Billy Fire TFR without coordination or approval. The event happened southwest of Show Low, and 32 NM southeast of Payson. A BRASHER WARNING was not issued because the aircraft was not in communication with ATC.
WRONG SURFACE LANDING (1)
7/26 Landing On An Unapproved Surface
Private Pilot
Out of California
Gila Bend AF AUX (GXF)
The aircraft did NOT have a medical or mechanical emergency., but the pilot indicated they were looking for the Gila Bend Municipal Airport, and fuel. The Gila Bend Municipal Airport Manager was notified by USAF personal. The pilot completed the required DD Form 2402 (Civil Aircraft Hold Harmless Agreement), and their statement of events. At the time of the event the Control Tower at GXF was not open.
VEHICLE/PEDESTRAIN INCIDENT (2)
7/27 Vehicle or Pedestrian In Unauthorized Area
No Pilot Information Required
Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX)
A vehicle exited an airline hangar, crossed a taxiway, and proceeded on a taxiway without contacting ATC for a clearance.
8/2 Vehicle or Pedestrian In Unauthorized Area
No Pilot Information Required
Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX)
A vehicle entered the movement area without authorization.