A pilot working for an airline must maintain contact with the air traffic controllers at the airport while on duty, using radio communication. However, they dread hearing a certain phrase from the controller, as it could signify a violation of regulations, leading to an investigation and potential suspension from flying.
According to aviation news website “Simple Flying,” when controllers ask pilots to “copy a phone number” over the radio, it’s akin to seeing the flashing lights of a police car in the rearview mirror while driving on a highway.
This request implies that the pilot may have made an operational error violating aviation laws or controller instructions, prompting further inquiry. Although they are unlikely to be arrested immediately after landing, it marks the beginning of an impending review process that could have serious consequences for their license and career.
When pilots suspected of violations are called in for discussions, the content may range from simple guidance from the tower to potentially escalating to a formal ruling by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Pilots can commit various types of violations while on duty, known as pilot deviations, including improper operations, failure to comply with airspace regulations, or simply negligence during flight. Examples of common pilot deviation behaviors include deviating from assigned altitudes, encroaching on controlled airspace, crossing temporary flight restriction zones, veering off course, exceeding speed limits, not responding to air traffic control instructions, or failing to repeat clearances.
In all these scenarios, controllers are obligated to document the events and provide a phone number for pilots to call post-landing to discuss the incident over a recorded line.
Many infractions trigger formal review processes. For commercial pilots, documented violations can significantly impact their job and future career prospects.
When pilots are asked to jot down a phone number by air traffic controllers, they may not even realize they have made a mistake. This uncertainty is often likened to the feeling of hearing “we need to talk” in the aviation industry, causing immense pressure on pilots.
The primary purpose of using phone numbers is to conduct longer private conversations outside the busy radio frequencies utilized by the tower, ensuring the frequency remains clear for issuing flight instructions at all times.
Pilot deviations commonly fall into two categories – airborne events and ground incidents. The most frequent mistakes entail failing to comply with controller instructions due to lack of situational awareness or distractions inside the cockpit. Occasionally, some pilots may violate aviation regulations, similar to breaking traffic rules on the road.
The majority of pilot deviation events occur in the air, accounting for 77% of the total, with ground incidents comprising 23%. While ground events are less frequent, they can be more dangerous in many cases, with the most severe being runway incursions – unauthorized entry onto a runway.
Reasons for this could include poor communication, unfamiliarity with the route, or distractions during taxiing, but ultimately, the responsibility for safe aircraft operation lies with the pilots.
Other types of ground incidents include crossing runway holding lines, moving on taxiways without permission, wrong take-offs and landings on one-way taxiways, or landing at the wrong airport. Due to the high operational risks at airports, the consequences of these errors can be extremely grave.
Violations of altitude rules are common airborne events under Instrument Flight Rules. Specifically, unauthorized climbs or descents, inability to maintain specified altitude due to distractions or poor communication, deviating from assigned headings, or not following instrument approach procedures fall into this category.
Upon confirming a pilot’s violation through an investigation, they may face various penalties:
– Remedial Training: Pilots receive additional training from certified flight instructors to correct errors.
– Check Rides: The FAA can require pilots to undergo a special flight test, with failure potentially resulting in an immediate license revocation.
– Temporary Flight Suspension: The FAA may temporarily suspend a pilot’s license, during which they are barred from conducting flight missions.
– License Revocation: License revocation typically applies to severe cases, repeat offenders, or pilots deemed a direct threat to aviation safety.
– Civil Penalties: The FAA may impose civil penalties, i.e., fines, with individuals facing fines of up to $50,000.
– Criminal Prosecution: In extreme cases like flying under the influence, pilots may face criminal charges.
Moreover, there are many restricted airspace areas around government facilities where aircraft entry is prohibited, and unauthorized entry could lead to military jets scrambling for interception. In such cases, pilots violating regulations are highly likely to face legal consequences, including imprisonment.