zlacker

In those cases the intent would be to cause harm. Here the intent was not to cause harm, it was just a reckless and bad thing to do.

>>ALittl+(OP)
That's a very fair point. I guess the question then is how we should treat recklessness with potential to harm, as there definitely should be a deterrent for that. But perhaps not as much as my examples.

>>silisi+n
We treat drunk drivers harshly, even if they harmed no one.

The potential for harm, body and property, combined with the complete disregard for safety (aviation and otherwise) and federal aviation laws/regulations, from someone who had a high level of training (as required for all private pilots) makes it really hard to excuse.