Originally Posted by
Caelum Deus
I have a dream....to become an airline pilot. I have dedicated my entire life to this one goal, BUT my past is still haunting me. (SOMEONE RELIEVE THE DOUBT OF NOT MAKING IT) Before turning 18 I accumulated multiple (five) convictions, all involving drugs/alcohol, and all were misdemeanors. It's been over four years since I’ve had anything to do with that old lifestyle, and I have no intention of returning. I just passed my multi/com/inst checkride and after building a few hundred hours I plan to apply for SkyWest. Does anyone have any information on situations they have dealt with involving a criminal record and the hiring process, or the severity of how employers look upon this type of background? Thanks for anything; my life TRUELY depends upon it.
Misdemeanors are a problem. Especially (5). However, I know people can screw up and do an about face. It's those that only do a partial about face that employers are worried about (Any employeer not just airlines). Misdemeanors pose a problem if an airline wants to send you to Canada. They require a 10 year "clean history" otherwise you have to receive special permission from Canada. Unsure of Mexico.
The more time you put between your "so-called screw ups" the better. ZThe fact that you are studying and flying now shows committment and that you have turned a corner. I might consider trying a turbo-prop operator (regional) in order to get your foot in the door to flying Part 121. Once you have been hired by, pass ground school and start flying for a Part 121 carrier, you become a "Safer" bet for others. i.e Skywest, . . .
~E