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 March 14, 2025 thru April 10, 2025 there were nineteen pilot deviations reported by the FAA SDL FSDO. These deviations were committed by pilots with certificates ranging from Private Pilot thru ATP/CFI Pilot. There were eight out of state pilots that committed these deviations, and one foreign pilot. Of the nineteen deviations reported, there were only three Brashers issued for IFR deviations.

 

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. The number of deviations was down slightly from last month, and weren’t as serious as past reports because there was a need to issue only three Brashers for IFR deviations. Obviously pilots still don’t get the message to be more careful in their flying. Some of these deviations could be attributed to the “snow birds” that have returned because of the relatively large number of out of state airplanes that were involved. No doubt many of these pilots may not be accustomed to flying in some of the complex/crowded airspace that we have here in Arizona.

I would certainly like to think that the information that we have presented has been valuable to a majority of pilots out there, and may make them safer pilots.

Moving on, 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 fly with care and forethought, don’t be part of the problem.

2 Class Bravo Airspace Deviations No Brashers

6 Class Delta Airspace Deviations No Brashers

1 Surface Incident No Brashers

 

The details of the deviations this month are as follows:

 

 

3/4 Altitude Deviation

The deviation was reported by the Phoenix TRACON when the Navajo Controller assigned a climb to 7,000 ft and got a good read back, but the King Air climbed to 8,000 feet. Separation was able to be maintained, and the controller issued a Brasher to the pilot

The deviation was reported by the Phoenix TRACON when the Citation didn’t fly the Quaky 1 departure as published.

The pilot deviation was reported by the Phoenix TRACON when the Pilatus descended below his assigned altitude, resulting in a loss of separation with terrain/obstacles.

The deviation was reported when the Socata TBM climbed above his assigned altitude of 5,000 ft. There was no loss of separation. The controller issued a Brasher notice.

The deviation was reported when the Cessna 172 turned off course without authorization to avoid possible icing. There was no loss of separation with other traffic.

The pilot deviation was reported when the Cessna 172 entered the Phoenix Class Bravo airspace without first obtaining authorization.

The pilot deviation was reported when the Cirrus entered the Phoenix Class Bravo airspace without first obtaining authorization.

3/22 Entering Class Delta Airspace Without First Establishing Two-Way Radio Communication

The pilot deviation was reported when the Robinson Helicopter entered the Goodyear Class Delta Airspace without first establishing two-way radio communications.

The pilot deviation was reported when the Cessna172 entered the Chandler Class Delta Airspace without first establishing two-way radio communications.

  Unknown Pilot Certification

The pilot deviation was reported when the Cessna 172 entered the Scottsdale Class Delta Airspace without first establishing two-way radio communications.

 

4/5 Entering Class Delta Airspace Without First Establishing Two-Way Radio Communication

The pilot deviation was reported when the Piper Comanche entered the Deer Valley Class Delta Airspace without first establishing two-way radio communications.

The pilot deviation was reported when the Boeing crossed the hold short line of the runway without ATC authorization.

 

3/9 Entering A Runway Without Authorization

The pilot deviation was reported when the Lake Buccaneer crossed the hold short line of the runway without ATC authorization.

The deviation was reported when the Citation delayed his turn to a radar defined base which resulted in creating a conflict with traffic to follow.

 

3/30 Taxiing On A Taxiway Without Authorization