There was a 23512 (DUI) over 17 years ago and 20 years ago. They have since been expunged. That being said it’s legal to answer no to this question if ever asked. Alcohol isn’t a problem. Yes almost 20 years ago, it caused a problem. It was something very dumb and plays no role currently nor for many years.
A follow up to that is that those DUI’s are still on the DMV record. The DMV records has those two blemishes that I explained above and also a 14601 (driving on suspension) stemming from not having auto insurance during an accident from 1994. This is also a misdemeanor.
I read an article “FAA SECURITY BACKGROUND CHECK RULE EXPLAINED” – it discusses employment history (no problem there) and criminal history records checks (if applicable).
I gather a criminal background check is done by default, even after any and all questions are asked, is this correct? And are the DMV records checked automatically as well?
Does anyone foresee any problems that might arise regarding these matters? Basically I am fishing for anything that might cause an inability to fly. An investment in training that costs tens of thousands of dollars would be worthless if ultimately being hired to fly is not possible.
Of course the airlines do criminal background checks and of course this includes driving records.
The airlines ask “Have you ever…”. They don’t ask if you have expunged or old records, they ask if you have ever had an issue with these things.
Three DUIs and multiple arrests is a lot, I could very easily see then causing you a problem with the regionals and the majors would not consider you at all. I recommend that you contact the hiring departments of several regional airlines and ask them about your situation.
Thank you for your insight. What department of the regional airlines should I contact do you think? Human Resources?
If I may ask a follow up question? Who or what entity has the word Go, No go? FAA? or Airline? Or both do the same? Or does FAA do the checks and the airline is the interviewer and relies on FAA doing their part?
And one more follow up question. Is there anything that I can do to prove that I’m very good to go at this point in my life. A medical thing? A doctor evaluation process? A alcohol and drug (don’t know the word here) program by FAA for evaluation purposes? Letters of recommendation? I don’t know how or what I can do to help me convince that alcohol isn’t a THING. I was irresponsible as a 21 year old in a big city. I’m now over 40. Does this line of questioning make sense?
I’m not sure anyone will be able to determine if alcohol will be a future issue. I also believe since it is not on your record that it will come down to each individual employer to decide if you are too much risk. It may be a case by case basis per interview. It may be a company wide thing to not take that risk, no matter how small. I would get ahold of the HR department of a few regionals and see what they think.
I would contact their pilot recruitment departments, most of the regional airlines list such info on their websites.
Once you are approved by the FAA for a first class medical they will not be involved in the process anymore, the airlines make the decision who they hire.
The only thing you can really do is show that you have had a clean track record for the last twenty years, which it sounds like you have. Beyond that, just have an explanation for how you were a foolish kid and now are a mature, really regret those poor decisions, etc.
Thank you Chris! I was forwarded a letter this week that an airline recruitment team is coming to my town in a couple weeks.
To be clear:
“Once you are approved by the FAA for a first class medical they will not be involved in the process anymore, the airlines make the decision who they hire.” – does this mean that the FAA is responsible for backgrounds and approving a pilot rights to fly? Do the airlines also do background checks?
What the FAA is saying is they’ll make their determination but it’s still up to the airline to make their decision. If the FAA says you’re done then your done BUT even if the FAA says ok that’s no guarantee the airline will as well.
All the airlines do their own background checks including driving, criminal and financial. If there’s something on there they will find it and if they find out after you’re hired than in addition to the criminal record you’ll have an airline dismissal on it.
I am really not sure who is doing the background checks, I would assume that on some level both the FAA and the airlines do. Bottom line is that if there is something there, they will find it, so don’t lie about it. Just be honest and be ready to explain how you have changed.
What gets me, is that expungement is defined as “the legal right to say no to past crimes (ie DUI)” and also declared as, “in the interest of justice (grounds for expungement approval)” – and I was granted this.
I guess it boils down to “informed decision making” on behalf of the safety of the public, which gives FAA and the Airlines access to any and all information (sealed/expunged/pardoned cases) to make the best informed decision based on risk analysis.
I would disagree with your definition of expungement. Expungement laws vary by jurisdiction, but generally speaking they cleanse the criminal conviction from the public record, but do not actually erase it from your record. The Department of Justice, and other agencies, still have access to the complete record, this includes the FAA. Many jobs that are considered to be “high security” often require applicants to report their whole record, even what has been expunged.
I have a very similar situation and would like to clarify before I sign up for the loan:
I had a criminal conviction (larceny) 13 years ago. And have misdemeanor last year for trespassing . I had an issue with my wife and she called the police on me. Long history short, I was convicted of trespassing and currently on probation. What are my chances of getting hired by an small airline and a major airline? Are the smaller airlines more lenient than the major’s or it’s a standard background check for all of them? Again my main question is: what are my chances of getting hired at all as a professional pilot?
Thanks for your help. I do not want to make a decision and borrow money that I am not able to pay.
Arturo
While yes smaller Regional airlines are a little more lenient than the Majors you’ve got 2 convictions over a long period of time and that screams pattern. When pilots have a bad day at work it’s big news and if the pilot has a criminal record that’s very bad publicity. This is why airlines are so concerned with their image and the optics of these things.
You can contact some Regional recruiters but I’m thinking they’re going to want to see some time after your last conviction.
I think you could possibly have a very difficult time getting hired at any airline, especially if the larceny was a felony. I would recommend contacting the recruiting departments of several regional airlines and asking them directly.