Originally Posted by
FlyingPoke
I am now 23 (6 years later), on the verge of becoming a CFI and I am looking for some input on some questions I have on fast-approaching regional interviews....
1.) Knowing that I'm at a disadvantage in the interview, is there anything at all that could level the playing field slightly?
2.) Is getting hired at a decent regional out of the question, or should I automatically shoot for the lesser quality of the bunch?
3.) Should I plan on being stuck at a regional for my career, or is a major a realistic goal?
4.) I am not sure on the language, but I know the Canadians have a problem with DUI's... the key word there is also convicted, if I remember correctly. Is this something I should look into and possibly obtain before sending out applications?
5.) I'm in the process of obtaining my own fingerprinted FBI check, if no mention of a DUI shows up but an arrest does, could/should I try and get away with leaving those three letters out in an interview?
6.) Although I'm pretty sure I'm right, did I do the right thing in not telling the FAA?
1) You have a couple of distinct advantages here...you were very young and a significant amount of time has passed. Age 17 - 23 is a long time in terms of maturity. If it had happened at age 30 and you were now 36, you would be hosed though. I would probably be inclined to tell them about it because it will probably not preclude employment at most airlines. However if they ask, you say no, if they do find out about it later you would probably be fired. This usually happens during ground school...most ground school classes lose somebody who thought they wouldn't find out about something. Take full responsibility (don't blame it on your buddy, your girlfriend, the cop, etc) and tell them what you learned from the experience.
2) Start with the best and work your way down (that's an option in today's hiring environment). If you are otherwise competetive you will probably get a job with a decent company.
3) By the time you get to the major level it should not be much of an issue (but only because of your age at the time...an older pilot in that situation might as well get real comfortable where he's at).
4) I am fairly certain the Canadian immigration thing would apply only to bona-fide convictions. I think they check your name on Interpol. Call your local Canadian consul and ask them (maybe don't give them your name though
).
5) Not sure if the FBI will give you access to the same info that might show up on an airline check. But as far as the interview it would depend on the exact wording of what they ask...I have been asked about arrests at interviews. Be very careful if the interviewer asks a vague question " so did you ever have any run-ins with the law?" That could mean whatever THEY want it to mean...
6) If I understand your situation correctly I think you were OK in not telling the FAA. HOWEVER...BIG danger here: Are you CERTAIN that the state did not consider your license suspended at the time of the arrest? They often do that automatically, especially for underage DUI. If there was ANY suspension, regardless of how temporary, then you should have told the FAA. Honestly I would contact an lawyer who specializes in Aviation/FAA issues, it wouldn't cost much and they could tell you for sure (nobody on the internet can do that). If there is any doubt on this it is ABSOLUTELY VITAL that you get it resolved with the FAA before you apply for airline jobs. If it comes up later that you didn't report a DUI incident on an official FAA form you would lose your tickets and get fired...for certain.