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Is the FAA After Your Ticket?

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • New FAA reporting programs, such as Mandatory Occurrence Reports (MORs) and automated Traffic Analysis Review Program (TARP), have significantly increased the likelihood of pilot deviations being detected, often automatically and without immediate controller awareness.
  • Pilots are strongly encouraged to proactively file NASA ASRS (Aviation Safety Reporting System) or ASAP (Aviation Safety Action Program) reports immediately after any perceived mistake, as these systems can provide immunity from punitive action for honest errors if reported promptly.
  • Consequences for detected pilot deviations can range from remedial training to a "709 ride" (a re-check with potential certificate revocation) or immediate certificate suspension/revocation for serious offenses, making vigilance and timely self-reporting crucial.
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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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