What do Pilot Deviations and Mickey Mouse have in common? Actually nothing other than there has been a marked increase in the number of Pilot Deviations in the airspace above the happiest place on earth. The Pilot Deviations involve the RNAV Departures out of KMCO (Orlando, Florida). There seems to be no common theme other than pilots failing to comply with the provisions of the various RNAV Departures. This appears to be from a lack of familiarization with the Departure, and especially the crossing restrictions. In most cases there has not been a loss of separation in this very busy airspace. However, there have been a number of occurrences that caused a Traffic Collision Avoidance System Resolution Advisory (TCAS/RA).
A little background is in order. KMCO/Orlando TRACON (F11) are part of the new South Florida Metroplex Project that effects all airports in Central and South Florida. This project changed 131 procedures (DPs, STARs, T-Routes, ILS, LOC, RNAV and RNP) for all of South Florida. This was a big project that will increase the efficiency of the NAS in this very busy area.
The following Departure Procedures accounted for the most Pilot Deviations:
EPCOT TWO
LEWRD TWO
DDANY TWO
FSHUN TWO
Recommended best practices include:
Making certain that your FMS or other data bases are the current revision which is a regulatory requirement.
Becoming familiar with all requirements of the arrival or departure procedure during your preflight.
For any questions please contact POC, William E. Smith, Supervisory Air Traffic Controller, Orlando TRACON at 407-852-7511
