Under the influence is objective and much easier to prove than careless
operation which is subjective. If the penalties are comparable, the
prosecutor always goes for the easiest to prove.

"George Patterson" wrote in message
news:fQv2f.1843$Uj2.96@trndny03...
Joe Morris wrote:

The key difference is whether it's "intent to fly" (pilot license
required)
or "careless or reckless" operation (license irrelevent).

If I recall the incident correctly, they didn't charge him with
careless operation. They charged him with operating the plane under
the influence of alcohol.

George Patterson
Drink is the curse of the land. It makes you quarrel with your
neighbor.
It makes you shoot at your landlord. And it makes you miss him.