Originally Posted by
RareHawk
I'm 17. Student Pilot. Soloed. Senior in HS. I made the biggest mistake of my life not too long ago; Tried shoplifting a high ticket item, got caught, arrested, and charged with grand theft (felony). I was never convicted, charges were dismissed because of a first time offender pre-trial program. I also have a minor car accident where i rear ended someone going 5 mph on my driving record.
I know it's still years away, but I was wondering how much these incidents will affect my chances at the regionals and legacies. I plan on keeping my nose clean, stay pink slip free (I will be going to a p141 school in the fall), and make the Dean's list 6-8 semesters.
I've read that you don't have to disclose anything if you were never convicted (airlineapps says not to disclose anything i wasn't convicted for). And should own up to it if asked about it. I've also read that my juvenile record gets sealed, or expunged when I turn 18.
My dream is a career at Delta, but settling at any other legacy or major is acceptable. How much of a show stopper are these incidents?
As others have said you need to seriously your behavior and motivations. If you're sorry you got caught and are looking for ways to hide the facts, then you should pursue another career which can be more tolerant of flexible morals. Lawyer comes to mind, or if you like aviation then airline management would be a good fit.
If you can comprehend that what you did was wrong, and determine that that's not the person you want to be, then there's a way ahead.
Since you were "relatively" young, airlines will forgive this if it comes to light so long as there is ZERO subsequent history (or even hint) of anti-social behavior. Don't even get any speeding tickets until you land your dream airline job. But you need to be prepared to explain what you learned from this and how you've changed. It would be easy to overlook a 12 year-old shoplifting, but seventeen should know better so you're on thin ice.
As far as application, read them carefully, and answer them literally. If in doubt the conventional wisdom is to disclose more, not less. If they suspect you're lying or hiding something (especially something like this) you will be done for sure. If asked at at interview don't lie.
Also be aware that interviewers, especially HR pros, are good at sniffing things out. If they suspect something, based on body language, etc they might try open-ended questions. There are questions they may not be able to ask legally, but if you tell them without being asked they can usually consider the info. "So, just the speeding ticket? Sure there's nothing else you want to tell us... ?". In that case, if they didn't ask straight out, don't tell them. Interview is NOT confessional, good pilots have torpedoes themselves by divulging things they really didn't have to.
Make sure your records are sealed/expunged. The airlines actually prefer that if they are aware of the event.