Pilot Deviations…here’s how the FAA defines a pilot deviation: the actions of a pilot that result in the violation of a Federal Aviation Regulation or a North American Aerospace Defense Command Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) tolerance.
In order of frequency:
- IFR Deviations: the greatest number of which involve altitude busts, followed by course or heading, airspeed, and procedural violations.
- VFR Deviations: involve airspace, altitude, course or heading and airspeed problems
- TFR Violations (Need we say more?)
There were almost 4000 Pilot Deviations in 2013 alone! The Great Lakes Region was 3rd in the Nation at 472 Pilot Deviations.
You might expect to see low time pilots having the greatest number of PDs but in one major metropolitan area at least – the distribution is pretty even across all pilot certificate levels – except for student pilots which remains the lowest level.
North Dakota had 4 Pilot Deviations in 2014:
1) Student Pilot - Failure to hold short of an active runway
2) UAS Pilot – Failure to maintain altitude
3) Private Pilot – Failure to receive clearance prior to take-off
4) IFR Pilot – Failure to maintain altitude while deviating for weather
Consider these 3 steps to avoiding a Pilot Deviation:
Always review and plan the flight as if it was the first time. Be certain ALL databases are current and all NOTAMS and TFR data have been reviewed. (Even published data)
“Give yourself an out” - Plan Alternate routes due to unforecast weather, traffic or pop-up TFR Issues. Utilize ATC whenever possible. VFR Flight Following or IFR, keep available to contact when needed.
Finally, Be certain your briefing is on record. Remember, if you can’t prove it, it didn’t happen.
Believe it or not ATC is there to help. ATC controllers don’t like filling out PD paperwork any more than pilots enjoy explaining their actions to FAA inspectors. VFR Flight Following or filing IFR will get you that additional ATC help.
Write it down! Clearances, especially should be written down to help clarify what was asked and what was expected during your flight. Read back all clearances and instructions so there’s no chance of misunderstanding. Set altitude & heading bug reminders if your aircraft is equipped with them.
Autopilots can be a pilots best friend, but training is needed to benefit and remain safe. Practice to proficiency with your autopilot and, when you’re operating in complex airspace consider letting “George” help with aircraft control.
Maintain a sterile cockpit. Let your passengers know that there will be times when you have to concentrate exclusively on flying and you won’t always be able to answer their questions or act as tour guide.
And finally, always keep your Plan B up to date. If you were planning on a specific routing that doesn’t pan out reassess the airspace you’ll be penetrating and have a plan for what you’ll do if clearance isn’t forthcoming.
Navigation thoughts: Give yourself some room. Remain one to two miles outside airspace you don’t have permission to enter. Avoid the subject airspace by at least 500 feet vertically if transiting above or below it.
TFRs, although time and space oriented, can become active sooner or later than expressed.
Give yourself at least 15 minutes before and after and confirm TFR status with ATC before operating within it’s boundaries.
If you’ve been paying attention, and you are already utilizing VFR flight following with ATC, keeping up to date with TFRs, weather, and route issues should be a piece of cake.
Remember: if you here this…
“Sky thrasher zero three kilo, possible pilot deviation”. “Advise you contact Washington Center at…” A phone number will follow. As always, after hearing something like this your overall mental health must be maintained…”Fly the Airplane!”
That’s right…Fly the Airplane!
Keep your head in the game and try not to think about the possible Pilot Deviation until you’re safely on the ground and the airplane is tied down or in the hangar.
Finally; studies show that pilots who participate in the Wings Proficiency Program are much less likely to have an accident or incident than those who don’t. Get together with your CFI and practice Navigation and aircraft equipment operation - preferably in complex airspace (Click)
If there’s no complex airspace nearby, fly one of the economical General Aviation simulators available today. They can be programmed to fly in any airspace and they’re a great way to practice flying to places you’re planning to visit. The more familiar you are with the airspace the less likely you’ll be involved in a Pilot Deviation.
Jay M. Flowers
FAA Safety Team Program Manager, ND & MN, OPS
