[sokoloff]

The worst typical outcome for pilots who get these violations is taking training, getting signed off to that effect, and a “709 ride” to get their certificate back. They might also face a short suspension.

Very few pilots manage to earn a lifetime ban.

[TylerE]

There's actually a self-report line (run by NASA, no less) where pilots can report stuff like this.

It's really quite brilliant.

The way that you get pilots to do it is that if you drop the dime on yourself it actually gives you virtual immunity from consequences, as long as no injuries or serious damage actually occurred. The idea is to actually find systemic process/procedure issues.