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Is the FAA After Your Ticket?

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The FAA's updated reporting systems, including Mandatory Occurrence Reports (MORs) and the automated Traffic Analysis Review Program (TARP), are significantly increasing the detection and reporting of pilot deviations.
  • These new systems can result in pilots being cited for deviations without immediate controller notification, potentially causing them to miss critical windows for filing protective voluntary safety reports like ASAP or NASA ASRS.
  • Pilots are strongly advised to proactively file NASA ASRS or ASAP reports whenever an incident or error occurs, as timely self-reporting often provides immunity from punitive action for honest mistakes.
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One of the stressful things that can happen to you as a pilot is when an air traffic controller tells you to call a facility on the telephone after you land. A tower controller issued me a phone number once, and I have to admit the request made my heart skip a beat. Fortunately, I hadn’t done anything wrong. The controller simply had some questions about the airplane I was flying.

Most of the time, if a controller gives you a phone number, it’s not good news. Generally it means you’ve made a serious error and there is a chance that you will suffer some punitive consequences as a result of that mistake. The magic words that should raise the hairs on the back of your neck are “possible pilot deviation.”

Pia Bergqvist

Pia Bergqvist joined FLYING in December 2010. A passionate aviator, Pia started flying in 1999 and quickly obtained her single- and multi-engine commercial, instrument and instructor ratings. After a decade of working in general aviation, Pia has accumulated almost 3,000 hours of flight time in nearly 40 different types of aircraft.

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