The FAA Made A Decision On My Case

[@ronsflightsimlab9512]

Mike, you are the kind of pilot that evaluates their experiences and looks for improvement opportunities. You are doing it right. THANK YOU for sharing.

[@ddelv1601]

I enjoy that you turned a stressful personal event into a teachable moment and made sure to acknowledge that both the pilot and the FAA officials are human.

[@acewings221]

The FAA is most certainly not human. Lol

[@hidude398]

The FAA is staffed with lizard people, nobody else could've come up with the current process for medical evaluations, especially pertaining to mental health and medications.

[@rubenjanssen1672]

@@acewings221 FAA oficials are

[@acewings221]

@@rubenjanssen1672 keep telling yourself that lmao

[@sorenlandfall9629]

​@@acewings221 I sure hope you don't work for any airline I work for

[@stephen5147]

My background is 20 yr AF fighters, 19 years Delta Airlines. I was a CFII for a lot of years. This is what I do - Flight plan around the Bravo. Look up & write down the primary & backup freq's for CLT approach. Use the moving map to know FOR CERTAIN you remain clear the Class B. You call CLT approach… do not rely on Flight Following to do it. Before entering make certain you hear those magic words - “661 Mike Bravo, cleared into the Bravo.” You MUST hear those exact words. And of course, don’t wait until the last moment to call them. But you know all that now. : ) Fly safe. Appreciate your videos.

[@wturn5354]

Excellent advice, have a “plan B” in case you do not receive a Class B clearance!

[@jarrettleto]

Here would be my advice: If your flight plan absolutely must take you through a class bravo, just file IFR. Otherwise, just plan to go around (or over or under) it if you're VFR. In mojo's case if you look at his flight path he could have easily gone around the bravo to the east. You can still try to get cleared through if you want to, but don't plan on it. Looks like the common route around the bravo is 247 nm (via chesterfield VOR) instead of 245 nm for direct. No excuse to bust a bravo IMO in this case. edit: its not worth the trouble he went through to potentially save 2 nm

[@MmeHyraelle]

He didnt hear those words and pulled up in consequence, the plan B was executed, which is what is being discussed.

[@321southtube]

Ok....sure.

[@TIO540S1]

Of course, another option is to be on an IFR flight plan. In that case, you don't need to hear the magic words as you're always flying a route cleared by ATC.

[@ronwyman5188]

You are a man of integrity. It is often not the easy to live your life that lifestyle and maybe even uncomfortable. Thank you for striving to live out your life worthy of being a student of the smartest person who ever breathed a breath of air, and needed to learn from others. Fly high, and soar like an eagle.

[@mattc.310]

Glad you took the time to step up and share this. There are those that would have just reset the cameras and moved ahead and miss a great opportunity to teach and learn. We are all human and to share our mistakes can be a big deal.

[@section8usmc53]

Love the transparency man. 👍🏼👍🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 It probably looks good to the FAA too. It couldn't be any clearer that you're taking this seriously, probably more than many would. That's actually the stuff that matters most. Glad everything worked out for you. Stay safe.

[@branchandfoundry560]

To the question, "Why would you tell on yourself?" ...because you are a Leader! And Leaders selflessly use their own experience to educate others. Thank you for 'Manning Up' to help everyone else. My hat's off to you, Sir!

[@SunsparcSolaris]

With anything in life, if you mess up, it's better to tell whomever is in charge before they find out on their own or are told a version of the story by someone else. Any time I screw up, I immediately go to my boss and lay out what I did, how I fixed/am going to fix it, and what I'm going to do in the future to avoid the same mistake.

[@grex2595]

More importantly, this would have been a terrible situation to try to lie or hide in. He had flight following, and he was flying through a Bravo. Absolutely everything they needed was on record, so he couldn't hide anything from them. Alternatively, he could have lied and tried to pass the blame onto equipment, but since he was flying VFR, he would have been responsible anyway. Even if he could manage to convince them that his equipment malfunctioned and showed him outside the Bravo, the books say that you should not be flying close enough to controlled airspace that inaccuracies in your equipment or theirs may call into question whether you were in our out of the airspace. If their equipment says you are in the airspace, it doesn't matter what your equipment says. Given that there was no way out of this by keeping quiet or by lying, the best outcome comes from telling the truth.

[@camerona9067]

@@SunsparcSolaris If you mess up, 'fess up! Especially in the aviation industry.

[@AV8OR51]

Thanks for sharing, Mike. Class B is not something you want to mess with. If you are instrument rated, I highly recommend being on an IFR plan even during the VFR days to avoid airspace complications.

[@BaxterretxaB]

I personally think IFR is easier than even dealing with flight following. You’re making a call to either request flight following and hope you get it or you file IFR and know you’re at least getting cleared 90% chance direct these days or maybe slight vectors around the dead center of the bravo unless you’re going east west over the top at 5000ft…that’s usually a clearance they will give you. Vfr flight following you still have to get handed off just the same to different frequencies same as IFR so IFR is just safer and worst case if you don’t like the clearance then cancel and go VFR around but at least you tried. With ForeFlight filing IFR takes less than 3 minutes so it’s just too easy these days.

[@AV8OR51]

@@BaxterretxaB Couldn’t agree more! I always file an IfR plan when going to a new place, makes life so much easier! Of course if the weather is VFR and don’t like the routing, cancel and be on FF

[@cypilotiowan4761]

BINGO!! This holds true for complicated military airspace as well, like the coastal area of SC near Cherry Point or Pensacola FL by Navy flight school.

[@RaceMentally]

All you need to know about Class B “cleared through the Bravo”. That’s it nothing else!

[@richardhoward4384]

As a non-pilot, I still appreciate the time you take to explain important points in every video. I live a couple hours from your Winston location and would like to stop in some day to see your business if that is permitted. Happy flying

[@play005517]

I really want car drivers to also have to go through this kind of form filling and investigation and education if they ran a red light

[@GavinMcCune]

FAA Operations Inspectors (ASI'a) (like me) are pilots, too and we are part of the aviation community. Many of us fly regularly and are part of flying clubs, war-bird demonstrations, flight schools outside our districts, or fly small jets part 91. The Compliance Action Program which your Inspector offered you is for those individuals who cooperate in the investigation process as we try to determine what went wrong to create this deviation. Our goal is to bring pilots back into compliance, but as you noted, you willingly and honestly evaluated your performance and you sincerely wanted to correct/re-learn what you needed for safety. We love dealing with pilots like yourself! It makes it so easy for us. I would much rather assign a couple of WINGS courses to you than open an EIR (enforcement investigation) to take action against your certificate. Good job! I hope a lot of pilots see this and determine for themselves that we just want you all to be safe and smart pilots. So long, and may every landing be a happy one!!

[@acasualviewer5861]

Thank you for sharing. Gives some comfort for those of us starting out. We're a bit terrified to make mistakes.

[@johnfriend862]

It takes a real man to confess, admit and own his mistakes. Instead of just sweeping it under the rug, as most people would do, you put it right out front and used it to teach others how to hopefully NOT get into your situation. For that I congratulate and thank you. You are a real man, we need more like you.

[@SuperBuzz71]

Class and Humility. You and your channel are an asset to the aviation community. Thank you sir.

[@Fireplug52]

I am not qualified to fly a plane or do I want to, especially at my age now, but listening and watching these two videos, shows to me your humility in taking responsibility for your actions. You are now better for it and those watching these videos are educated, who do fly airplanes, in never taking for granted the procedures in that must be adhered to. Excellent!

[@mikeoswald8053]

Mistakes happen every day in the air. Understanding and having the chance to re-learn or apply the basics is important to operating an aircraft and for your future flights. Your openness is a plus. You've done good Mike!

[@efusco]

You randomly fell into my feed, really interesting review of the situation and really love the honest introspection and admission of responsibility and need for additional education. These are qualities of outstanding pilots.

[@DavidBruner_NJ]

Well done Mike. You took the high road and accountability, which is what I expect every fellow pilot to do. Also, the wings program is great. I regularly take courses and attend live regional trainings. I would recommend highly.

[@erwinschmidt7265]

Mike - Congrats on surviving FAA!! In '90s G.R. Mich, on approach, Pilot took lead from State Highway Pickup he was stationary. Full gas/flaps, gear up, nose slight down & plummeted in downdraft. He pulled it out as entered woods, gently rose, but had no COM as you mentioned as antennas removed. He flew around in & out of TSA, gave himself clearance to land, pulled up to Gate wingtips draggin', and while pulling oak limbs from belly, he was arrested by GRPD for evidence tampering, leaving scene of accident, & joyriding plane! FAA immediately jerked all of Capt's tickets, airline indefinitely suspended him, & GRPD jerked his drivers license making Capt officially a Pedestrian. He didn't even have the ID for use of his credit cards for car rental or even food. Despite above, Capt told me he felt lucky. His actions had saved 156 soles and one of those was his!! Old guys...always lookin' at the sunny side!! I guess you had better experience!!

[@RobbieHatley]

That's quite confusing. Re "On approach": On approach to what? (A local airport?) Re "Pilot": Pilot of what? (Car? Truck? Boat? GA aircraft? Fire Dept aircraft? Police aircraft? Airliner?) Re "State Highway [Patrol?]": What does State Highway Patrol have to do with aviation? Unless you're saying the "Pilot" was flying a Highway Patrol helicopter? Re "He was stationary": I thought you said he was "on approach"? Unless you mean he was flying a State Highway Patrol helicopter and was hovering? Re "full gas": On approach? Most aircraft, "on approach", are "half out of gas" rather than "full gas". And besides, most aircraft burn kerosene, not "gas[oline?]". Re "had no com[m]", I imagine so, if he scraped the belly of his [helicopter|airplane] against tree tops. Re "wingtips draggin'": Wait, I thought you said he'd been "stationary"? In a fixed-wing plane, that's usually not possible, unless one is flying a Piper Cub into a gale. (I saw a Piper Cub land _backwards_ once at SNA here in OC, CA, USA; 65kt airspeed into a 70kt gale, groundspeed = -5kt.) Re "saved 156 soles": How did he save the feet of 78 people? Or do you mean the fish? But what does fillet of sole have to do with aviation incidents? Or did you mean "souls"? He had 156 [soles (feet) | soles (fish) | souls (people)] on board a Highway Patrol helicopter? _How??_ I'm so confused. 😕

[@erwinschmidt7265]

@@RobbieHatley - Oh, it's much worse than that. Capt was watching State Highway Pickup with all lights on going 80MPH just emerging from downdraft w/driver swerving 40' edge to edge standing up thru side-window pointing finger at him in NWA plane for notice they was all gonna die. Capt, the kind they hire to fly airliners, understanding pickup lingo gave full throttles, full flaps, and gear pulled up was landing type. Don't know what State Highway Patrol has to do with anything, but in Mich we had State Police if ya have a murder or something serious, but I doubt they'd bring their helicopter. Liner was the thing that was hovering even though ILS approach with needles in middles due to vicious headwind from approaching storm. When turned into tailwind was just after Capt made his adjustments giving flat plummet at about 400MPH gravity + downdraft. NTSB investigated but determined old Capt liar, with explanation impossible, got statement from NWS windshear impossible at time of incident, & MDOT added no Dept Equipment near airport at that time. Royally screwed (the kind that's raw & cold w/o lube), NW made it permanent suspension with reinstatement if training w/new Certs for every type NW Orient flew, which really would have been impossible. NOV '96 "SURPRISE", same Capt just reinstated & do dropped in to TPA's Pilots Lounge. With same Capt were his FO & SW Pilots as well, for direct knowledge of windshear to be relayed. They got table opposite bum with tattered old brown jacket, Capt smiled at 'em but other three intentionally ignored. Capt began his tail of woe with approach to Grand Rapids samo, samo....but all of sudden all turned to sht. He said to FO, "Ya should see how this crazy ahole is drivin' a State Highway...truck, HOLY SHT!" That was his moment of awakening. Capt wanted to give emergency actions, but couldn't recall order or what they were. Old bum sitting across from them added, "Capt, you went full gas, flaps, picked up gear, fell straight down in flat plummet into woods, but pulled liner carefully up out of woods heading North." Bad Ju-Ju to say that as Capt 2X size of bum, so leapt from table glowering over him sayin', "And just exactly how in the hell would you know that?" Bum said, "I'm the ahole you mentioned in your story, you can check my MDOT ID here", handing it to Capt. Capt invited bum/pickup driver to join them, but he refused as had already ordered burger. 2nd Dumb thing he did as Capt grabbed him setting him at his own table sayin, "You look like a T-Bone man to me...I've been looking for you for years!" They discussed entire G.R. windshear incident w/bum/PU driver writing all details on hard stock dinner napkin. He signed it, the four Pilots witnessed signature, and Capt took it to NTSB. APR '97 bum/MDOT/PU driver called back to work, was only one in office after rain-day lunch, so answered phone call from MDOT Deputy Director. He asked to speak with bum/PU Driver sayin' had NTSB Investigator that needed word with him. He replied, "Speaking". Investigator said NTSB had re-opened G.R. Windshear Investigation...and he was head of it. He said had just checked his travel logs and workday sheets confirming was at scene of windshear at perfect time, but needed personal conformation from employee everything recorded on dinner napkin at TPA in NOV '96 was absolute fact. Once he had his confirmation, Investigator most friendly with employee. He said NTSB Director had told him everything on napkin was so, as it crossed all the "T"s and dotted all the "I"s regarding incident, while their own investigation had shut down at, "physically impossible". Director specified Capt to be made whole, NWS at airport to get 1st available Doppler Weather Radar, and "procedure" of writing statements out telling witnesses to sign is prohibited immediately. Bum/PU Driver had Project Engineer for Boss that believed MDOT trucks were his own trucks as singed them out himself each year. If he found how bum/pickup driver had been driving "HIS" truck, being retired USAF, he would kill 'em, so original and re-opened Investigations Classified and unavailable to Public. Director's contribution to next complete Training for Investigators was between morning & afternoon sessions, he had "The Napkin" mounted in 1st display case at D.C. Headquarters. For afternoon session, Trainers couldn't pry Investigators from napkin, and if got one away, it ran right back! Auditorium empty and Director all smiles. When finally assembled, he gave group his thoughts on "Physically Imposible", and procedure of writing out statements for Witnesses to sign! Oh yeah, you were right I misspelled soul brother!! I'm just learnin', thanks for the help.

[@TherapyinaNutshell-1]

My pilot husband and I appreciate your vulnerability and honesty. It will help educate, keep violations from happening and save lives. Great job!!

[@tsbrownie]

I used to go to every Wings program in my area. It was a great time to talk with the FAA guys, get some updates on rule changes, meet fellow pilots, get safety lectures (VERY useful!),... absolutely worth it from a learning standpoint and for just plain old socializing.

[@MikeKunzman]

Appreciate the honesty of the videos. We all make mistakes and glad to see you've learned from this. Also happy to hear the FAA is taking a gentler approach these days to enforcement. Blue skies and tailwinds!

[@fpliu]

Thanks for the transparency. As a student pilot this is a great lesson and helps me think about what types of unexpected things can happen.

[@MasterCarguy44-pk2dq]

My huge recommendation MOJO is that you check and triple check your equipment before you get to close to Bravo or Charlie airspace and you are required to "stay out of" the airspace until full contact and two way communication has taken place and then proceed once advised. Circle 360° left, circle 360° right or just go around the airspace. If you can go to 15,000 which is 3-5k above Bravo, then that is an option button recommended.

[@buckhorncortez]

"Why would you tell on yourself?" "Why would you put yourself in the hot seat?" Really? People asked those questions? Okay. It's called PERSONAL INTEGRITY. You take responsibility for your actions.

[@nicholassinanan7374]

Absolutely not. This is why you talk to aopa and an attorney before anything.

[@michaeldautry]

The FAA breaks their own rules but will enforce on you with no mercy. The FAA is not anyone’s friend.

[@buckhorncortez]

@@michaeldautry So, then lying is the answer. Got it. I hope you don't mind when people lie to you.

[@buckhorncortez]

@@nicholassinanan7374 Fine get an attorney. I never said not to be smart with your interactions with the FAA - but, denying you did anything and lying about it isn't the answer.

[@michaeldautry]

@@buckhorncortez you are correct, I hate when the Faa lies to me.

[@RealTechZen]

Good job, sir! Part of being a pilot is that you owe it to the flying community to not only "learn your lesson" but to pass along that learning so others will be safer as well.

[@bensadventures6321]

Thank you for being so humble and transparent.

[@kevincollins8014]

I'm glad to hear that it turned out ok. You obviously handed it exactly like you should have since there wasn't any further action. Very few times have I ever heard of the FAA not taking the time to use it as a learning experience than for punishment unless someone does something plain reckless. Thanks for sharing this with us all Mike and blue skies brother.

[@privatepilot4064]

The last thing my FAA Examiner said to me when he signed me off for my Private Certificate was, “Remember, you’re always learning.” I’ve always appreciated and remembered that statement. The way your incident turned out is the way that it should have. You proactively treated it as a learning experience and I think that was what the FAA took into consideration. Great video.

[@Trevor_Austin]

I retired from 25 years of airline flying (European short haul Embraer 190/175, Fokker 27/50/70/100) and even on my last fight I learnt. So you are absolutely correct, you are always learning.

[@geraldskoog570]

Been following your channel for awhile. Major respect for how you conduct yourself as a pilot and human. Thousands of hours does not make a pilot, character does.

[@bnelson313braveheart]

I’m glad it turned out so well and you truly benefited by the whole experience as well as helped other aviators. Fly High!

[@russelldixon5663]

Mike, I'm not a pilot yet, and I'm glad to be following you for a few years now. Your excellent conduct here is a great example, although it must have been stressful. Thanks for your channel

[@trollingdirty8910]

Your transparency and humility is refreshing. Keep bringing the great content.

[@jasonsams4258]

If you haven't already, you should get involved with using the FAA wings program. I encouraged the people that came to me for BFRs when I was instructing to do this. It satisfies the ground portion of the BFR, and then flight tasks are good too. The courses are actually pretty good, and it could also serve to help out in the event of something like your case happening. Cheers, and thanks for the content.

[@michaelwiggins3663]

My experience with a potential deviation was very similar. Since there was no immediate danger in the event they seemed far more interested in preventing the situation from happening again by insuring that I understood how the situation occurred, the proper process, and what I could do to control the situation even if I was not in the wrong. Demonstrating accountability, taking ownership, and showing that I had learned from the experience and could proactively prevent a similar situation in the future was key

[@pslny]

Nice video Mike. An instrument rating makes airspace rules much easier, you don’t have to worry about them. Great video, thanks for sharing.

[@s4aviator804]

I've been flying practically my entire life, professionally since I was 20 years old. What I just heard at 6:43 is probably the single worst piece of advice I've ever heard. That's like saying you shouldn't hesitate to talk to the police without a lawyer if you haven't done anything wrong. If the FAA is opening an investigation into something you've done, you should immediately seek counsel from a reputable aviation attorney. Your certificate, your wallet, and for pro pilots your career, are on the line. Even if the whole thing seems totally mundane and straightforward, I would never recommend not retaining legal counsel if you become the target of an FAA investigation, ESPECIALLY one subsequent to a suspected deviation from the FARs, which DO carry the weight of law, the violation of which DOES subject you to possible civil penalties.

[@Drewairplane]

Agreed

[@idekav.]

Still the most fucking unnecessary way to comment the way you did. He said one thing wrong, how many times have you been on camera in front of thousands? Probably never so I’d keep the tone down bud just like you would if you were being talked to by the feds right? Exactly.

[@jvtaylor3]

You are also NEVER obligated to call the number they give you.

[@s4aviator804]

@@idekav. Have a great day!

[@s4aviator804]

@@jvtaylor3 Never a bad idea to consult with counsel before making that phone call, but most of the time they'll tell you to go ahead and call. I've only gotten a phone number once, and it was in reference to a bird strike, not a pilot deviation, but my attorney said "go ahead and make the call, let me know what the tracon has to say."

[@karapesm]

Thanks for sharing your experience and being transparent about the process. We can all learn from each other as a part of this small community of pilots.

[@Intrepid175a]

Hi Mojogrip, you mentioned that some were questioning why you'd put yourself out there in this situation. I'm very impressed that you did. I've seen other situations where someone made a mistake and put the entire story out there as a learning experience for everyone else. If someone can learn from your mistake and maybe not make that mistake themselves, there's nothing better than that. Kudo's Mike, and thanks for sharing the story!

[@isaan01]

I appreciate your content. Thanks for taking the time to share videos like this.

[@CommentsAllowed]

Glad to hear you are all good now. Respect and honesty.

[@brentdykgraaf184]

Thank you sir. Humility is rare today. You put your buisness in the street. To your honor.... you owned it..took it..shared it for us. Keep up the great content sir.

[@johnaclark1]

Your attitude is great and is why they let you off with some counseling. It still on your record, however. Having watched a couple of your videos discussing this incident I haven't heard you state the real mistake you made. I heard you say you always get flight following but then blame bad radios, etc. The most important thing to remember when operating VFR around Class B is that you STAY OUT unless you hear "cleared to enter the Class B." Even if you have flight following and no radio problems you still have to hear this clearance. If you don't hear it you still have to stay out. You need a plan A for avoiding the Class B and a plan B for IF they clear you through it and let you transit. I would plan that VFR flight around/over the Class B and then while enroute and approaching CLT see if you can get a shortcut through it by getting the clearance. Flight following does NOT protect you as it does with Class C & D airspace. You have a very capable airplane and you can easily go around, under, or over the Class B. Maybe you have to make a spiral to get down or maybe you go a little out of your way. It's just what you have to do. I circumnavigated LAX class B with nothing more than a sectional and dual VORs back in the 90s. It was way more difficult then but still had to stay out.

[@michaelwhitehurst1182]

Thanks, Mike for sharing your experience. It is good to remind others that there obligations that require alternative measures to be taken when the obligations cannot be fulfilled, such as encountering Class B airspace. Calling, course deviation, and circle to gain altitude to get above the Class B. It is also good to know that there are people who want safety above all. Thanks again.

[@MrCox2121]

I love how you always take responsibility. Your desire to strive to learn and better your skills is inspiring.

[@kdavidsmith1]

I've seen lots of videos about pilots deviation but never what happens on the other side. Thank You, Mojo, for making this video.

[@DanielSilva-gc5hf]

Thank you for sharing. I'm not a pilot, but my dad was a pilot instructor so i kinda get some taste of that world. I appreciate that there is people like you out there willing to share and learn from their experiences. So, thats it, thank you, flight safe.

[@bazl1721]

Happy to hear that ure alright man! Stay safe and thanks for sharing your experiences to make us all better pilots!!

[@mlegare102]

Thank you for sharing your experience in both videos. I'm a current rock climber and future pilot. Making mistakes and being able to learn from them and share them is a great gift. I'm happy with the outcome, sounds like they made the right call and had the correct process. Godspeed.

[@nelsonmuntz9317]

This channel rocks. What a intriguing story. More of this type of aviation please. Keep it all comeing

[@archivist17]

Glad to hear that the case is closed. But it's a great teaching moment, so thanks for using that opportunity. It's absolutely vital that all pilots be honest about violations and mistaken actions, as it's all safety critical. It's just like a clinical governance process in medicine.

[@TheMeslava]

New Sub here. Great content and glad you took accountability for an honest mistake. I think they saw that and that's why you are off the hook. It's all a learning experience, flying is no joke there is so much to learn every time you step into the cockpit. I haven't flown in years due to finances... never got to finish my PPL (I was SO close and had the check ride booked) but I had to leave for school. Everyone that flies should see this video and learn from it! Great job.

[@danmcbride6258]

I like the way you stood up and explained yourself to the FAA. Your honesty and recollection of your attempts to connect and when you could not, took corrective action to go over BRAVO. This helped your case.

[@StrandedTravelers]

Just took my BFR...this subject was part of the ground refresher...great that you shared very helpful! Thanks Mike...

[@mad85123]

new student pilot here! thank you for this!! Integrity is everything to me! subscribed!!

[@hogey74]

Thanks for this Mike. People bring their own baggage to every situation. In my experience this is particularly obvious when people either commence flying or are non-pilots who become aware of certain aviation safety matters. Blame, punishment, guilt, secrecy etc are all real things of course. We grow up with that stuff all around us and indeed we're pre-wired to think in those terms. But aviation safety has become so amazingly good precisely by getting people to think and feel differently. Those negative concepts lead to less safety, for real. An honest yet positive approach to human frailty has changed things radically.

[@jonathanworthing6278]

Admirer your honesty by tell us your story with the FAA. And it’s helps all of us that we are learning all the time.

[@patriot439]

Glad you worked it all out with FAA...Did you ever find out what was going on with your communications equipment?

[@WOTArtyNoobs]

Appreciate you adding this video. Most pilots will eventually come into contact with the FAA for one reason or another and it is a learning process to understand if you have made a mistake or why they have to be involved. I've heard of some extremely trivial reasons why the FAA investigates some situations and it can be for something as simple as making a communication that you have left the runway when you are not yet quite off it but in the process of leaving, or an even weirder one where someone was reported for dropping a toilet roll (pre-pandemic) at altitude. Neither case required the FAA to invoke a punishment as there'd been no transgression as such. The FAA are there to help all of us and sometimes they get reports from Karens who just want to spoil a pilot's day. Thank you for your honesty. Wishing you safe flights and following winds.

[@4alphazulu]

The way I see it - when you learn, we learn. Thank you VERY MUCH for sharing your experiences and advice.

[@artjackson8360]

Mike, anytime you think you've busted a reg you should file an ASRS (Aviation Safety Reporting System) report. This report doesn't go to the FAA, but instead to NASA. Any PII (personally identifiable information) is stripped out and the report details are entered into the NASA system to track safety trends. In return you get an ID strip that notes the report number. Keep this as proof of report submission in case the Feds come calling. In exchange for the unvarnished truth about this incident, the FAA agrees not to pursue certificate suspension of other civil action against you. Assuming, of course, it wasn't a willful or criminal act. Then you get no protections. This data is used to identify potential safety issues like poorly designed airspace, or close calls, or miscommunications, etc. It would be a good idea to file the ASRS report even though your case has been closed as it would be another helpful data point for the database. Check out AC 00-46 for more details about the ASRS program. It was initiated back in 1975 and has been of great value in improving aviation safety.

[@stevebunes9151]

what a great attitude you have. So excellent to show the right way to look at things and how to properly work with people and authority and to just work through the problems. Great job!

[@72151]

Your transparency is the example for all to follow. Good Job 👍

[@justincase5272]

Congratulations! I think a good deal of your success has to do with your excellent attitude. Staying humble, always learning and improving, attention to detail, driving hard to be thorough, get things right, and have a backup plan... You're in the groove!

[@gtm624]

Thanks for sharing your whole process. This could happen to anyone. It’s great to have someone share their experience so if it were to happen to myself or others we have some insight. Hope to see you at sun n fun. I like how you didn’t just keep the blame on the radio like many would do. You were able to break it down and look at what YOU could have done differently in that situation and share that with us. Much appreciated 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@jasonausman]

I would add one more thing to what I would do. If you haven't been cleared into Bravo then I would do a circle or climb to avoid it. I had something similar flying into Houston. I was usually cleared into Bravo but one particular time he didn't answer when I asked multiple times if I was clear. Perhaps if they are busy they are more likely to not answer than to say "no you're not." So I made some altitude changes to avoid the bravo. Flight following alone does not guarantee you clearance.

[@notoriousmr]

Glad it worked out for you sir. Thanks so much for sharing your experience.

[@koldplayz1]

The case is closed! Great news. Thank you for sharing your experiences…

[@M158-o3x]

excellent video and a great example of how working with the FAA does benefit you both from a practical and educational basis.

[@mittman9977]

Nice Job Mike! Helps everyone become safer and better as aviators! Thank you!

[@stevewinegar6364]

You're the man for teaching us about this. Thanks a lot for posting these videos.

[@jasonscholze3520]

I admire your attitude. You could have gotten upset with the FAA, but enstead you calmed yourself and submitted to their process. Also, I love that you were transparent with everyone. I like you Mike. Your channel is excellent. Thanks for the videos.

[@aodhhanswtor7252]

Glad everything worked out for you. You are right, we must take accountability for our actions as PIC. If a pilot begins to develop a trend of small errors, eventually it will catch up to them with devastating consequences. Especially when it comes to airspace and weather. I've read many accident reports where pilots with 5000+ hours just become complacent due to being overconfident. Taking ownership of the smallest errors (not just violations), and training is a great way to ensure you combat over confidence and complacency. Even better is adding what you did; in passing your experience to others! Well done sir!

[@Mark33563]

congrats on the great outcome. I carry a handheld Yaesu for backup coms. Already have the pigtail attached so all i have to do it pull the headset out of the dash and connect to the Yaesu. Just make sure you keep it charged up.

[@byronkendrick3662]

Mike, I enjoy your videos and your passion for aviation! I think your FAA Decision Video is the best video you have ever done! A great learning/teaching experience for you and everyone that follows you!

[@brentdykgraaf184]

Glad to hear sir...cleared to resume flight. You learned...you shared...you tought us. Fantastic sir. Fair winds and safe flight.

[@beriogelir779]

All I can say is Good for you And great that your a responsible pilot

[@BillPalmer]

Thanks for educating others from your experience. As a CFI I appreciate your efforts.

[@meowarrarisse9715]

Tanks for sharing and standing up for normal people who don't know what's up with the process.

[@777rogerf]

My impression is that they recognize that he does the rule and was trying to comply, but, because of limited inexperience.his compliance was lacking, but he will learn from this mistake and get it right next time.

[@calburnIII]

One concerning item-it sounds as if you believe that being on VFR flight following gives you the OK to enter Class B. It doesn’t. You must have a specific clearance to enter Class B. Granted that many times controllers handling flight following will as a matter of courtesy clear you into Class B, but not always. Unless you hear “cleared into Class Bravo”, you’re not. So as a matter of practice, although I may be on flight following, I’ll always ask for the clearance. It’s different when you’re on an IFR flight plan. That automatically clears you into Class B if your clearance route of flight takes you into Class B.

[@joedaviss9448]

Great Video!!!!!!!!!!!! Sir you have such a positive attitude throughout this video!!!!!!! I honestly don't know how you do it. In the back of my mind the entire time I am thinking to myself that you should have embraced the Air Force Motto........ which is Lie, Deny, Ask for proof. Your videos are quite inspiring I hope that one day our paths cross.

[@ProPilotPete]

CLT doesn’t like ifr traffic flying over their airspace, much less vfr. It’s legal but not appreciated. Just to prove my point file from Atlanta area direct to INT at 11000 feet, see how they route you. Will be somewhere near BZM, around the Bravo.

[@cbc229]

Good for you being forthcoming with an error or a mishap. This shows good character on your part, setting an example in a world that doesn't want to be accountable or take responsibility. Good Job Mike.👍

[@dehydratedrhombus2473]

I really appreciate your video here. Thank you, because I hopefully will learn the same lesson from your experience here. Sincerely, thank you, sir.

[@geoffreymckenzie5561]

Great Job Mike. Thanks for sharing. Outstanding advice!!!!

[@mikefendel]

Having followed this issue from your first video on it, I am pleased to hear this resolution. Mike the humility and honesty you have shown in sharing your incident makes me not surprised how it resolved. You clearly showed both here and to the FAA that you are experienced and approach flying with a commitment to safety and following the rules. I believe your case was most likely to resolve this way, especially as there was not conflict with other aircraft in the area. I commend you on your willingness to use your event as a teaching means for all aviators and this clearly shows the king of guy you are. Congrats! Fly safe, and I wish you many more years of enjoying aviation.

[@PilotDaveAviation]

Mike, I want to thank you for sharing your experience with all of us. Most wouldn't have said anything, but as you advised, it helps all pilots to be aware.. thank you for sharing

[@ssgill]

I am glad the case closed. Thank You for making this a learning opportunity for yourself and us all.

[@Flyguycanada]

Try hanks for sharing Mike!! Learned a lot for you and like your honesty. It goes a very long way!

[@goalski134]

it can be difficult to sometimes to own up to your mistakes. you’ve done a great job to use it as a learning experience for others.

[@robertmiller3987]

Love these videos. Not just in flying, but in any aspect of life, must take responsibility and own your own mistakes and behavior.

[@bassett_green]

Huge respect for how you handled the situation. Well done.

[@troyezell5841]

A great video series that will actually save lives! Flying is a 3 dimensional operation and the human mind can become complacent at times, forgetting that the rules are not arbitrary ideas but precise steps to keep everyone safe. I am so glad you are safe; learned from your experience; taught others the “ropes”, and now you are free to fly! Thank you sir!

[@JeanSchlemaan]

I don't know why im even watching this saga, but for some reason it's interesting to me! I like your demeanor, and the way you handled this. Also the teachable moment theme, which all of us can use in many other situations unrelated to flying.

[@JaredJanhsen]

One of the good things about the FAA I've gathered watching experiences you and other aviators have shared; the focus is on teaching, not on getting a pound of flesh. They'd rather you learn and become a better pilot than be closed off and fearful. Though it definitely helps that you acknowledged your technological shortcuts put you on the spot when you needed to do things old school. Even I, an IT guy that herds packets, have had technological shortcuts put me in a bind.

[@shanefrye2161]

I love your shows! I live in Winston Salem and work near the airport. I have seen you flying on your approach. Glad to see it worked out for ya! I spent a lot of time at Smith Reynolds Airport as a child, My dad was a dispatcher for the late and great Piedmont Airlines

[@AnthonyPollizzi]

Thanks for the open discussion of how to handle mistakes with honesty and integrity. We need more examples like you. I'll definitely share this with all my students.

[@paulbaldwin6803]

I'm not a pilot, but I've enjoyed your videos and appreciate your honesty and integrity. Thanks, Mike.

[@Kelly-oq9nh]

Your attitude and professionalism makes you a better pilot. A trustworthy pilot.

[@acbennettcfi]

Mike, thank you for being forthright and honest about your mistakes. This is an example of great aviation culture. Take notes, friends!

[@tomtora9056]

Love your openness and integrity. Really helpful learning from your mistake and respect you for putting this up here. Low hours Private pilot in UK here and just started following your channel.

[@Dan-rx3fq]

I commend you for your honesty and making it an educational. Shows that you're a good pilot and someone to be trusted.