Register

Is the FAA After Your Ticket?

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • New FAA/ATC reporting systems, especially automated ones like TARP, significantly increase the likelihood of pilot deviations being detected and reported, often without the controller's immediate knowledge, making timely pilot notification uncertain.
  • Pilots are strongly advised to proactively file NASA ASRS (or ASAP) reports immediately after any potential mistake to gain immunity from punitive action for honest errors, as relying solely on ATC assurances is risky.
  • Consequences for pilot deviations can range from no action to remedial training, a high-stakes "709 ride" with potential certificate revocation, or outright suspension, with flight instructors facing increased accountability for student actions.
See a mistake? Contact us.

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.

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE