What should a pilot do if they deviate from an ATC instruction during an emergency and are given priority?

In the event of an emergency that necessitates deviation from an ATC instruction, prioritizing safety is paramount. The appropriate course of action is to file a detailed report within 48 hours to the chief of the appropriate ATC facility if requested. This report serves several critical purposes: it informs ATC of the circumstances surrounding the deviation, allows for the evaluation of the situation and response, and helps improve overall safety through data collection and analysis.

Maintaining open communication with ATC is essential in emergencies, and once the immediate crisis is mitigated, providing a detailed account can enhance future operational protocols and training. Such reports can reveal insights into emergency procedures and might assist in refining regulations or training for ATC personnel and pilots alike.

While notifying passengers or discussing the incident with another pilot might seem relevant, these actions do not fulfill regulatory requirements nor do they contribute to the official scrutiny of the incident that the report would encapsulate. Additionally, while maintaining altitude and course until cleared is standard protocol during normal operations, a deviation during an emergency implies that following a strict course may not be feasible or safe, underlining the importance of the report to clarify the context of the deviation.