Which scenario defines a Pilot Deviation (PD)?

Which scenario defines a Pilot Deviation (PD)?

• A. Action of a pilot that violates any Federal Aviation Regulation.
• B. Pedestrians entering movement areas without authorization from ATC.
• C. Action of an Air Traffic Controller that results in less than required minimum separation.
• D. An incident characterized by ample time to avoid collision.

Answer: (A)

Pilot deviation is an action or inaction by the pilot that violates a Federal Aviation Regulation or an ATC clearance or instruction. The scenario described fits this definition because it centers on a pilot taking an action that breaks the FAR, which is exactly what a PD is. The other options describe issues that aren’t PDs: pedestrians in movement areas involve security and surface access concerns, not pilot compliance with regulations; an ATC error resulting in less than minimum separation is the controller’s responsibility, not the pilot’s deviation; and a situation with ample time to avoid a collision doesn’t involve a regulatory or clearance violation by the pilot.

Pilot deviation is an action or inaction by the pilot that violates a Federal Aviation Regulation or an ATC clearance or instruction. The scenario described fits this definition because it centers on a pilot taking an action that breaks the FAR, which is exactly what a PD is.

The other options describe issues that aren’t PDs: pedestrians in movement areas involve security and surface access concerns, not pilot compliance with regulations; an ATC error resulting in less than minimum separation is the controller’s responsibility, not the pilot’s deviation; and a situation with ample time to avoid a collision doesn’t involve a regulatory or clearance violation by the pilot.