FLM processing a pilot deviation discovers that a note concerning Class B airspace located inside R2501N on the Los Angeles VFR sectional was the cause of the pilots confusion. The pilot also reported and stated that he was on the wrong GPS display setting; which was the main reason for the airspace entry.
Synopsis
FLM processing a pilot deviation discovers that a note concerning Class B airspace located inside R2501N on the Los Angeles VFR sectional was the cause of the pilots confusion. The pilot also reported and stated that he was on the wrong GPS display setting; which was the main reason for the airspace entry.
Narrative
I arrived at work and was assigned to the OM desk for the evening shift. The FLM assigned to the OMIC position was processing a pilot deviation. He briefed me on the following. A C210 had flown VFR through R2501N at 9;500 without authorization. He was not in communications with ATC at the time. When the OMIC [Operations Manager In Charge] later talked to the pilot; the pilot stated that he had looked at the chart and thought the restricted area was hot 7;000 and below. During the conversation he realized his error and was very apologetic. Later in the afternoon I looked at the Los Angeles Sectional dated 1 JUL 2010 to see if I could figure out why the pilot was confused about the altitude. It became very obvious as soon as I looked at the sectional. The following information is printed directly under the R-2501N label: Examples of Class B Altitudes;70 - Ceiling in hundreds of feet MSL; 30 - Floor in hundreds of feet MSL; Los Angeles Terminal Area Pilots are encouraged to use the Los Angeles VFR Terminal Area Chart for flights at or below 10;000. The information on this sectional pertaining to Class B Altitudes should be printed within the terminal area; not within the restricted airspace.
Second reporter narrative
I was flying to Bullhead; AZ. I was to the right of Silver Lakes; CA then I set my heading at 054 degrees to Bullhead; AZ. When I was getting close to Hector VOR I was talking to my friend about flying. I was showing him the GPS when I reset the dial back to Nav 1; but I should have set it to Nav 2. This Nav shows me all restrictive area. When I arrived at Bullhead; AZ; the Tower told me to call ZLA; which I did then I found out that I entered a restricted area and went across the corner of it. I've been flying for 17 years and never done anything like this. It was a total mistake; but I was flying the plane; so it was my fault and I take full responsibility for my actions. I've learned that when I am flying keep more alert on what I am doing. when I got home I called my old instructor and we talked about what I did and he made the same conclusion.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.