Appeals Data – April 2025 
Welcome to the April 2025 appeals update. Each month, our Appeals Team compiles key stats and lessons learned from pilot appeals. We’ve organized the info into short sections and bullet points for easy reading. Below you’ll find highlights of the latest data, top mistakes to avoid, safety tips, and more. Let’s dive in!
This report is drawn exclusively from cases where pilots reached out to our Appeals Team, moderators, or staff. Non-appealed violations aren’t reflected here. All data is anonymized and provided solely for educational purposes.
Pro Tip: Violations happen fast stay focused, follow ATC, and keep your replay saved!
📊 Flight Stats – At a Glance
- Total Appeals submitted: 164
- Approved Appeals: 64
(39.02%) - Denied Appeals: 100
(60.98%)
(In March 2025, only ~40% of appeals were approved, so our approval rate remains similarly low.)
85% of successful appeals had clear technical proof (e.g., replay evidence).
Please Note: Appeals are reviewed case by case, ensuring fairness while upholding community standards.
📌 Dive into the Details: Violation Breakdown 📋
Here’s where we see the numbers come alive:
| Violation Category | Reversal / Approved | Denied / Uphold | Total Appeals |
|---|---|---|---|
 Not Following Instructions |
25 | 28 | 53 |
 Not following ATC assigned heading, altitude, or speed |
23 | 27 | 50 |
 Failure to Maintain Separation |
6 | 6 | |
| Taxiing Through Others | 4 | 6 | 10 |
| Unresponsive while climbing, descending or manuvering | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| Aligned with the wrong runaway | 2 | 2 | |
| Excessive Speed | 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Taxi without Permission | 1 | 1 | |
| Failure To Complete Instrument Approach | 2 | 8 | 10 |
 Entering RWY w/o Permission |
6 | 8 | 14 |
| Failure to Divert | 2 | 2 | |
| Other | 1 | 4 | 5 |
Additional comments and outcomes related to specific appeals during this period:
| Remarks | Quantity |
|---|---|
| No Response from Pilot | 35 |
| Network Issues | 47 |
| Controller Requested Removal | 1 |
| Simple Pilot Error | 44 |
| Deleted Replays | 11 |
| Controller Error | 8 |
| One Time Courtesy | 51 |
Pro Tip: If you delete your replay, you LOSE your chance to appeal! Always keep a copy!
These common errors drove most appeals this month:
-
Ignoring ATC instructions: Failing to follow ATC guidance is the #1 cause of violations. Always listen and respond promptly.
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Not following ATC Vectoring altitude/heading: Deviating from the assigned altitude or heading. Flying off your clearance is a quick path to a violation.
By avoiding these pitfalls, you’ll significantly reduce the chance of needing an appeal. (For reference, March’s report listed these exact top 2 issues.)
Safety Checklist, Prevention TipsStay violation-free with these strategies:
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Follow ATC instructions: Trust your controllers and comply with clearances. Respond to instructions immediately (it’s your primary job on the Expert Server).
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Know the rules: Review the Expert Server procedures before flying. Being familiar with ATC phraseology and server rules helps prevent mistakes.
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Stable internet connection: Ensure a strong Wi-Fi or cellular link. A laggy connection can cause unintentional violations (e.g., missing a clearance).
-
Save your replay: Always keep the full flight replay after you land. If you delete it, you forfeit your appeal chance, even if the violation wasn’t your fault.
Pro Tip: Plan your flight and double-check your clearance before moving. A second of inattention can lead to a violation.
Flight Deck Library – Resources & GuidesUseful reads to stay informed:
These resources explain the rules in detail. For instance, appeals must include replay evidence (Level 1 violations can’t be appealed unless evidence of technical issue) Review them to avoid surprises!
Take control of your learning and become a better pilot!
Community Impact, Together We Soar
Our collective efforts are making a difference! Thanks to 285,000+ pilots flying on the Expert Server, we’ve seen a 17% year over year drop in violations. Every properly-flown flight helps improve safety for everyone. Let’s keep that momentum going by sharing knowledge and looking out for each other.
Safety isn’t accidental it’s a choice. Let’s keep improving together!
We want to hear from you! Have a question about an appeal, or a tip from your own experience? Share your thoughts below. Let’s learn together and keep our skies safer!
Infinite Flight Appeals Team
