Thanks for that details explanation, JamesNoBrakes, that makes much more sense now! I can understand why someone would file an ASAP report, definitely.

In my situation, I've never gotten a deviation, warning letter, or even a request to call a controller back, in decades of flying. I'm not worried about a letter from the FAA (not going to apply for another flying job, ever), I am more concerned about a fine. I can't even remember a time that I was worried about getting deviated, but talking to some guys....it seems like they are constantly filling out ASAP reports for things that come close.

I wonder about the wisdom of filling out a report for things that aren't possible violations---such as while the other guy is flying....autopilot doesn't catch the altitude, he corrects too slowly and before you know it, he's 250 feet off. Not 300 feet, ATC doesn't say anything, but it's close. Or they give you direct, you forget to take it off heading select for awhile, you realize it, and reselect. Things that are obviously errors, but not to the point that anyone mentions it. When I read up about ASAP reports, they say they take into account how often the type of things reported have happened to you, and it makes me wonder that if you're the type of person who is constantly reporting your errors, while most people don't...wouldn't that make you seem reckless?

I really appreciate the explanation of why to do an ASAP. That's the best one I've read.