I agree with contacttower, fining is acceptable for deliberate violation of regulations but the majority of incidents, pilot error, should require alternative action. In FAA land, isn't recurrency training/ pilot evaluation flight a requirement following an incident?
At BHX, the pilot screwed up. Impounding his aircraft and fining him sounds like something
a) to satisfy the bigger customers ie the airlines,
b) the French would do.
At EXT not so long ago Dash lined up without clearance whilst a 737 landed on the reciprocal runway. Two professional pilots made an error and
afaik were not fined, instead received additional training. Imagine if it had been a light aircraft...
h