Paul Huffman wrote in
:

What confuses me is that all the pundit TV shows keep saying tonight
is that authorities have decided not to charge the pilots with a
crime. Are they shaving the distinction between "crime" and a
"violation" very closely. I can't imagine there wouldn't be
administrative action against these two pilots. At least remedial
training and a check ride with an FAA examiner. Or a license
suspension. You'd get as much for a transgression into a plain old
class B or C.

But a violation of FARs is not a criminal offense. It's a civil action.
That's why you aren't provided with a lawyer, and don't go to a
courtroom. A license suspension is very likely, but that isn't a
criminal sanction.

--
Regards,

Stan

"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." B. Franklin