Can you file a report on ATC?

[bandit317]

Here's a question for everybody. If ATC screws up and puts you in an unsafe situation, is there a way to file a report to the FAA? I know of the ASR reports, but they don't necessarily go to the FAA unless deemed so. ATC can file a report on pilots anytime we accidently screw up, but how do we file a report on them? Or are they just untouchable?

 

[81Horse]

We just had this discussion in another thread. How unsafe? 'Cause you might want to rethink your position on this. http://forums.flightinfo.com/showthread.php?t=71198

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

If you decide to report then you open yourself up for scrutiny.... are you protected?

 

[GuppyWN]

Depends on the situation. But yes. Note the time of the incident and the freq. Call the center/tower/approach with your flight number, freq, and time of incident.

Gup

 

[gcsass]

Also try reporting it through an ASAP type program or through ALPA or another unions safety people. I would also include a call to your POI to insure follow up. I have done it twice in my career and both times it has worked well.

 

[Sam Snead]

Man, the FAA will swarm all over you if you file an direct complaint against a Specialist. An ALPA complaint or someother buffer is better, if available.

Perhaps a one-on-one with the specific specialist will be enough.

My sympathies, I've had my share of conflicts with specialists. One time I got so mad at a tower controller that I got distracted and landed on the Right instead of the Left.

 

[Tim47SIP]

NASA Form

I would just file a NASA form and be done with it. ATC guys are not out to get us, and we shouldn't be out to get them. If you get a jerk for an ATC guy, the NASA form will take care of the problem. If you want to prosecute, you will soon be prime beef!:smash:

 

[BoeingBoy]

Anytime you think ATC is screwing up, just request the controllers initials and a time check, this always gets their attention and that way their supervisor can look into if necessary.

 

[bandit317]

OK. So I hear what everyone is saying, but when you say that I will become a target, and or make sure you are protected - what are you referring to? Does anyone have stories about being harrassed by the FAA because of filing a report?

 

[bandit317]

Anytime you think ATC is screwing up, just request the controllers initials and a time check, this always gets their attention and that way their supervisor can look into if necessary.

I like that

 

[FN FAL]

......

OK. So I hear what everyone is saying, but when you say that I will become a target, and or make sure you are protected - what are you referring to? Does anyone have stories about being harrassed by the FAA because of filing a report?

It will happen this way. You may be walking. Maybe the first sunny day of the spring. And a car will slow beside you, and a door will open, and someone you know, maybe even trust, will get out of the car. And he will smile, a becoming smile. But he will leave open the door of the car and offer to give you a lift.

 

[LearLove]

It will happen this way. You may be walking. Maybe the first sunny day of the spring. And a car will slow beside you, and a door will open, and someone you know, maybe even trust, will get out of the car. And he will smile, a becoming smile. But he will leave open the door of the car and offer to give you a lift.


Crap FN, whats that from? Now I'm not gonna be able to sleep.

 

[LearLove]

Seinfeld???

 

[CatfishVT9]

ATC guys are not out to get us,

To quote Lee Corso: "Not so fast my friend!"

There is a guy at ATL Center who is out to get Military guys. His name is Chuck Ferguson. I know I'll take heat for using this guy's name, but I don't care. This guy set a record for filing Pilot Deviation Reports while he was at Meridian Approach during 2002. He even attempted to file 5 deviations in one day. And he never filed one on a civilian pilot.

Why was he so anti-military? He and his buddies at MEI Approach had a dispute with the base CO over a smoking area. It was outside and a few yards to walk. Their solution to the problem was to max out the number of deviations they submitted to get back at the Navy. F'ing jerks.

It cooled off after we fought back by documenting what they were doing and whenever they would jerk us around in flight, we would either declare an emergency or cancel and proceed VFR.

Our sister squadron did file a "controller deviation" on this guy but I never heard what came of it. Probably nothing, but the T-45 recorded everything for ATC to see that they were in the right.

Sorry for the rant, but it was a bad flashback......

I'm all better now

 

[81Horse]

OK. So I hear what everyone is saying, but when you say that I will become a target, and or make sure you are protected - what are you referring to? Does anyone have stories about being harrassed by the FAA because of filing a report?

A target? Not you personally. I think the concern many of us feel is because we have a pretty good working relationship with controllers, and don't want to start a range war over relatively minor deviations. You know, with them snitching on us, and us narc'ing on them for every little thing.

Of course, they cannot always prevent the paperwork from moving forward (snitch program, etc.), even if they would like to. And some ATC "deals" are so egregious they must be followed up on by pilots or operators. Still, this leaves some room for a little discretion and courtesy -- on both sides.

 

[Dave Benjamin]

The times when I've been really poorly handled by ATC I've simply called the supervisor and had a chat. If you're polite and professional I've found that they will listen to any concerns. I don't know how they followed up on the situations but my impression is that the supervisors are concerned about safety just like we are so I'm sure it was looked at.

 

[71KILO]

I had a problem in Minnie center once. We called the center after we landed. They marked the tapes and called me back a few days later to say that the controller had made a mistake and that they were giving her some remedial training. They even thanked us for being patient and bringing it to thier attention. I WAS STUNNED TO SAY THE LEAST. I said: "I'm sorry, I thought you said you were with the FAA."

No matter what, I've always been taught to tell the FAA: The flight in question was flown inaccordance with the applicable FARs at all times and at no time did the flight depart from the guidance in the FARs or the AIM. Any further questions may be directed to my attorney.

 

[kjokmo]

There's many times when contollers could turn in pilots and they don't. If pilots were reported everytime we made mistakes, there would be a hell of alot of jobs out there.......let it go!