What should you do if you are aware of a potential violation but the FAA hasn't contacted you yet?

In situations where a potential violation is known but the FAA has not yet contacted the individual, the most responsible course of action is to report the potential violation voluntarily. This proactive measure demonstrates adherence to regulatory compliance and an understanding of safety responsibilities.

Voluntarily reporting a potential violation can help prevent accidents, enhance safety within the aviation industry, and potentially mitigate further legal consequences for the individual or entity involved. The FAA encourages reporting the known issues before they result in an incident, which can positively impact regulatory evaluations and organizational accountability.

Choosing to wait for consequences or discussing the situation with colleagues can lead to inaction, further complicating the issue, and could jeopardize safety or legal standing. Maintaining silence unless approached by the FAA might reflect poorly in the eyes of the regulator and could lead to more serious repercussions if the violation is ultimately discovered through other means. Reporting emphasizes the importance of safety and transparency in the aviation industry.