Within the last three (3) years, the Tampa Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) has investigate 177 pilot deviations. Deviations are catergorized by either air or surface deviations. Many of those deviations could, under
slightly different circumstances, have resulted in a ground or mid-air collision. Thirty 34 of those deviations involved surface deviations also know as runway incursion. Airports that experience the highest rate of the runway incursions were Sarasota, Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Tallahassee.
In an effort to reduce the possibility of being involved in a deviation, pilots should:
1) Plan each flight
2) Talk & Sqauwk
3) Leave a one to two-mile buffer
4) Know and understand the airport taxi and runway layouts prior to surface movement
The FAASTeam will be conducting several safety outreach events regarding Pilot Deviations so please be alert to the notification and register to attend.
References:
FAA
Safety Team PD Avoidance brochure and fact sheet
