FAA Ground School Practice Test

When must a detailed report be submitted if a pilot deviates from an ATC clearance due to an emergency?

1. Within 24 hours

2. Within 48 hours if requested by ATC

3. Within 72 hours regardless of request

4. Immediately upon landing

The correct answer is: Within 48 hours if requested by ATC

A detailed report must be submitted within 48 hours if requested by ATC when a pilot deviates from an ATC clearance due to an emergency. This requirement is in place to ensure that air traffic control can review and analyze situational deviations to maintain safe air traffic operations and improve procedures. When an emergency arises, the pilot may need to take immediate actions that deviate from the original clearance to ensure safety. If ATC requires a detailed report following such an event, the 48-hour timeframe allows pilots to adequately document their experiences and provide relevant information without impeding their immediate responsibilities during the emergency. Other time frames, like 24 hours or 72 hours, do not align with the specific protocols established by the FAA. An immediate report upon landing would not allow for the necessary reflection on the events that occurred during the emergency, which could lead to incomplete or unclear reporting of the critical situation.