In accordance with Transportation Security Regulation (TSR) 49 CFR, all employees that are granted unescorted access to a Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) and employees that have access to aircraft must undergo a fingerprint based Criminal History Record Check (CHRC). The following is a list of disqualifying crimes:

(1)Forgery of certificates, false marking of aircraft, and other aircraft registration violations; 49 USC 46306.
(2) Interference with air navigation; 49 USC 46312
(3) Improper transportation of a hazardous material; 49 USC 46312
(4) Air piracy; 49 USC 46502
(5) Interference with flight crew members or flight attendants; 49 USC 46506
(6) Commission of certain crimes aboard aircraft in flight; 49 USC 46506
(7) Carrying a weapon or explosive aboard aircraft; 49 USC 46505
(8) Conveying false information and threats; 49 USC 46507
(9) Aircraft piracy outside the special aircraft jurisdiction of the U. S.; 49USC 46502(b)
(10) Lighting violations involving transporting controlled substances; 49 USC 46315
(11) Unlawful entry into an aircraft or airport area that serves air carriers or foreign air carriers contrary to established security requirements; 49
USC 46314
(12) Destruction of an aircraft or aircraft facility; 18 USC 32
(13) Murder
(14) Assault with intent to murder
(15) Espionage
(16) Sedition
(17) Kidnapping or hostage taking
(18) Treason
(19) Rape or aggravated sexual abuse
(20) Unlawful possession, use, sale, distribution, or manufacture of an explosive or weapon
(21) Extortion
(22) Armed or felony unarmed robbery;
(23) Distribution of, or intent to distribute, a controlled substance
(24) Felony arson
(25) Felony involving a threat Felony involving willful destruction of property .
(26) Felony involving willful destruction of property.
(27) Felony
(28) Felony involving dishonesty, fraud and misrepresentation involving important or manufacture of a controlled substance.
(29) Felony involving burglary.
(30) Felony involving theft.
(31) Felony involving possession or distribution of stolen property.
(32) Felony involving aggravated assault.
(33) Felony involving bribery.
(34) Felony involving illegal possession of a controlled substance punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of more than 1 year.
(35) Violence at international airport; 18 U.S.C 37.
Conspiracy or attempt to commit any of the criminal acts listed above.

If your offenses are outside of this list, you have a chance, however you really have an uphill battle to fight. The most important thing is to show that you have distanced yourself from that lifestyle and are continually taking steps to ensure that you don't return.

Do you utilize a support group like narcotics anonymous? If so, that shows ongoing determination to improve and recover. Your biggest battle is to show that you have learned from your mistakes and improved your situation.

I'd also have realistic expectations about your career... the truth is you're most likely not going to see typical career progression... it's going to take you longer to get there and you may never reach the top. Doesn't mean that you shouldn't strive to get there, but understand that your history is a big detractor from the overall "package."

Good luck!