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Dude! You’re Busted!

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The FAA enforcement process follows distinct phases from an event triggering investigation, through FSDO-level resolution options, to potential formal enforcement actions and appeals.
  • The Compliance Program is the FAA's primary method for addressing unintentional pilot deviations, emphasizing corrective actions to resolve issues without creating a permanent record.
  • Intentional, reckless, or fraudulent conduct, or non-compliance with the Compliance Program, can lead to formal enforcement, resulting in certificate suspension/revocation and a permanent violation on record.
  • Pilots receiving a "Brasher warning" for a possible deviation are advised to seek legal counsel to understand their options and pursue proactive measures, such as corrective training, to navigate the process.
See a mistake? Contact us.

AIRMET Tango for turbulence was spot on. You’re given “climb and maintain six thousand,” but with the bumps you accidentally enter 7000 in the altitude preselect. Passing through 6,300 feet, you hear your call sign and, “verify level at six.” You stop the climb and head back down. All seems good until 10 minutes later you hear your call sign again. “Possible pilot deviation. Advise you contact Chicago Center Quality Assurance. I have a phone number. Advise ready to copy.”

I think of the FAA enforcement process as having five distinct phases: the triggering event, investigation, resolution at the FSDO, enforcement, and appeals. My goal is to give you a basic understanding of the process so, if it happens to you, it won’t be a surprise.

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