5 Common FAR Violations

Being a pilot requires more knowledge than simply “knowing how to fly.” Knowing what not to do is a crucial aspect of flying that pilots must be cognizant of, and it is equally important to understand the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) flight rules as it is to know how to operate an aircraft.

The FAA is essentially the governing body over all things flight. They employ a series of rules known as the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR), which are put in place to minimize safety risks. If pilots violate these rules, they run the risk of serious consequences. The FAA’s Enforcement Division is responsible for issuing penalties in the event of any infractions, which could include fines and pilot’s license suspensions or revocations.

However, mistakes happen, and FAA intervention is typically reserved for severe offenses or pilots that consistently violate regulations. There are several common FAR violations that pilots can look out for and avoid to make sure that they are on-track.

Altitude Deviations

Air Traffic Control (ATC) assigns pilots an altitude for each flight, which they must stay within 300 feet of to avoid violations. This is to ensure that there are no aircraft collisions and that there is a safe distance from hazards.

One way that pilots can be proactive to avoid altitude deviations is to routinely check their altitude by referencing their altimeter, a navigation instrument found in the flight deck. Additionally, ATC may make changes to assigned altitudes during flight, which is why it is important for pilots to maintain an open line of communication with ATC.

Airspace Violations

There are five main classes of controlled airspace ranging from letters A through E, with each having their own specified boundaries and rules. For example, Class A Airspace has the highest altitude of the five, ranging between 18000 feet mean sea level and flight level 600, and requires the use of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) exclusively.

Each class requires different levels of clearances from ATC. In Class B Airspace, pilots must have full approval from ATC to fly, while in classes C and D, pilots must maintain two-way communication with ATC. Class E airspace comprises all airspace that is not contained within classes A through D. Outside of the five controlled airspaces lies Class G, which represents uncontrolled airspace. This falls outside of ATC jurisdiction, however, Visual Flight Rules (VFR) still apply, so it isn’t necessarily a “free-for-all.”

There are other considerations to take into account to fully understand airspace rules. Aircraft are prohibited from entering certain areas entirely such as the National Mall in Washington D.C., and other areas such as those above military bases have restricted access for military aircraft. Pilots should also generally avoid flying near power plants and industrial complexes.

Understanding the difference between airspace classes, what clearances are required to enter them, and certain areas that should be avoided are essential for pilots to keep track of to avoid FAR violations.

Inadequate Fuel Reserves

While pilots are not responsible for directly filling planes, which is a task typically performed by service personnel such as maintenance or ground crew, they are responsible for verifying that their aircraft is fueled adequately before taking off. This involves pre-flight planning, which is the process of ensuring that the aircraft is ready to fly ahead of time for a successful flight.

Pilots can also reference the fuel gauge to determine whether their aircraft needs to be refueled.

VFR Into IFR

Some pilots may attempt to transition from using Visual Flight Rules (VFR) to Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) during a flight due to inclement weather or choosing to fly into the clouds. This is considered a FAR violation since VFR requires a clear, unobstructed view.

Since VFR flights require optimal weather conditions, it may be rare for pilots to encounter a scenario where they are flying into bad weather, but improper pre-flight planning and a disregard for ideal weather conditions can lead to FAR violations. It is also worth noting that pilots who deliberately fly into clouds during a visual flight still violate FAR even if they employ proper IFR.

Knowing when it is appropriate to use VFR versus IFR is helpful in avoiding FAR violations.

Runway Incursions

As defined by the FAA, a runway incursion occurs when an aircraft, vehicle, or person is present incorrectly in the space designated for landings and take-offs. There are four categories of Runway Incursions that do not result in accidents, ranging from A to D, with A being the most severe, and D the least. Category D incidents are those that are defined as Runway Incursions but pose no immediate safety risks, and Category A incidents occur when a collision is narrowly avoided. Following Category A incidents are accidents themselves.

Categories A through D provide a loose measurement for the severity of runway incursion violations. Those that are closer to Category D tend to represent minor mistakes that may not result in substantial FAR violations, while those that are closer to Category A tend to represent critical errors. A pilot may cause a runway incursion by being in the wrong place on a runway or taking off or landing without clearance.

Not all runway incursions occur due to a pilot’s error. A pedestrian or vehicle may cause a runway incursion by entering a runway without clearance, and ATC may cause one by improperly allocating enough space on the runway for each aircraft.

With these five common FAR violations in mind, pilots will be able to maintain compliance with the FAA’s rules, thus avoiding negative consequences and upholding the standards for a successful pilot. For a more comprehensive look at the FAA’s regulations, visit their website to learn more.

Interested in learning more information in regards to Phoenix East Aviation and their flight training programs? Contact info2@pea.com to get in touch with their Admissions Department.

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