Originally Posted by
PerfInit
The reality is that SAS is keeping feds VERY busy “in the office”, tied to their computers. Also, only a VERY small percentage of serious cases actually go through. A majority of cases get thrown out on some technicality and legal minutia. Aviation attorneys know how to play the game, and they play it well. So anyone that is losing sleep over this stuff is honestly missing the big picture.
The reality is that the FAA lawyers know how to drag it out and rack up expenses for GA pilots who can't afford it and finally cave. 2.5 years of legal fees just waiting to see a judge is quite hefty for the average Joe. Then throw in the obligatory appeal to the NTSB judge, win or lose. For the government, it's a drop in the bucket.
Again, too many people have been royally boned for minor infractions for too many years by a few FAA employees who felt the best way to improve aviation safety was to hand out suspensions to suddenly believe things have changed.