pilotmattc

Hi everybody... just wondering if I could get some feedback on a current situation of mine. I currently have a pending DWI convinction and want to apply to the airlines. My record is clean otherwise but I was wondering since I am yet to be convicted of anything yet how I should handle an interview. All suggestions are greatly appreciated!

WhizWheel

Honesty. You HAVE to be up front about it no matter what. Even if its pending and you aren't convicted of it, if you keep mum and said airline finds out later about it somehow, your toast. If you DO get convicted and were mum about it, then you're REALLY toast.

ewrbasedpilot

Sorry to hear you're in this situation. Rules and regulations have really turned the tide against this type of a "goof-up". If you are convicted, you'll never be able to fly into Canada............and the airlines have to take a chance that you'll never be assigned a trip there. You also have to put it on the form when you're getting a medical certificate. Do your best to fight it and make it go away. Could get expensive, but right now you've got everything to lose and nothing to gain if a conviction does occur. Good luck.

Cessnadriver

I believe that even if you are convicted, you can still apply for a waiver to get into Canada after a period of time has passed. I'm not sure what that period of time is though or how often those waivers are given.

Hopefully you're not convicted, but either way, be honest about it.

pilotmattc

thanks a lot for the info so far guys...i know it was probably the biggest mistake of my life but something that will never happen again. What do you all think of my chances of getting a job in the next 2-3 months if i am convicted?

viper548

Get an attorney and try to get it reduced to wreckless driving or something other than DUI

Dog Breath

Here's another recent thread on the topic.....

The Dreaded DUI

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It's the least I could do, so never let it be said I didn't do the least I could do.

rickair7777

They will almost invariably ask if you have any pending criminal matters. Beat the rap if there's any way possible to still fight it.

For a regional, your biggest issue really will be canada...a lot of them go up there. IIRC from a previous discussion, you need to wait five years (from conviction or event, not sure) to apply for a canadian entry waiver.

Two ideas come to mind:

Do some research, look for regionals which operate turboprop or even RJ types which don't go north. At the interview, ask to be assigned to that aircraft and tell them why.

Look for non-airline flying jobs, maybe something that pays well and might offer turbine PIC...and try to wait out the 5 years while building some meaningful experience.