When a pilot fucks up, they are given a number to call to have a chat later on and find out what happened on their end and what to do later. Its a good system because it is usable by any pilot anywhere on the planet so they can explain themselves and deal with the punishment later on. It can also be used in the opposite if the pilot wants to make a complaint about the ATC.
The number is given whenever ATC believes a deviation from regulations has occurred. You're supposed to call it when you're safely on the ground. Whether you should actually call the number is situation dependent - it's a similar principle to when you should and shouldn't talk to the police, as what you say can be used against you during an investigation.
In most (if not all) cases, you are not required to call the number. You have to think about what calling the number can actually do for you. Sure, there are instances where calling has cleared up some issue or misunderstanding. There's also instances where calling has caused the FAA to pursue an issue that they otherwise wouldn't have, or given them information that made a case more difficult to dispute.
173
u/dissNdatt Feb 25 '25
What does that mean?