Zero Tolerance for Deviations?

[Flyin2low]

What kind of deviation was this. No need to be too detailed if it'll jeopardize your situation or identity somehow. But what was the exact nature in general terms. Was this due to the aforementioned tolerance issue?

It was a case of flying a filed route versus the cleared route where one of the fixes was removed by ATC during processing and we didn't catch it. The controller redirected us after 4 miles off their expected routing. The investigating inspector said that they are using a computer to track flights accuracy. If the computer 'flags" you, then the controller is obligated to turn you in. This happened in ATL center airspace. I believe it was a supervisor who turned us in (trying to set an example for his subordinates). At least that was the story in June 08. The FAA has since rescinded the Warning but said it will stay in their system for 2 years anyways.

 

[myrealnameis]

Trust me the number of "reported" deviations is up dramaticly. Career Pilots are now caught in the middle of a pissing match between the FAA and NATCA.

 

[cjdriver]

Trust me the number of "reported" deviations is up dramaticly. Career Pilots are now caught in the middle of a pissing match between the FAA and NATCA.

Can you elaborate on that? Is the FAA trying to make life hard on NATCA, and subsequently pro pilots?

 

[myrealnameis]

Can you elaborate on that? Is the FAA trying to make life hard on NATCA, and subsequently pro pilots?

I would say Yes, and the Controllers are pushing back.
Its no secret that the FAA and Air Traffic Controllers Union are at odds over contract , work rules and staffing levels. One tool in the arsenal is to completely flood the FAA with a laundry list of aircraft deviations that they have to follow up on. Leverage we are.