Originally Posted by captfurlough

Check the wording on the application carefully...some simply ask whether you were convicted...some say arrested or convicted. Note also that the FAA medical application states "arrests and or convictions invovling intoxicated use of a motor vehicle."

The problem is that charges are frequently plea bargined to a lesser charge, and even a conviction on a lesser charge will still show a case history file that will usually include the original charge. Hence, while there is no requirement to disclose something that is not asked for, be aware that the information is probably available and will likely turn up in a thorough pre-employment background check.

Rather than worry about what will show on these checks, (something you can't control) it may be more profitable to think through how you might respond to a question about them, should it come up. Remember, many companies actually hire you first, and then work through the background check as you go through the early portions of your training, as it takes some time for the background checks to be accomplished. That's why the application usually has a statement that says anything falsified or concealed will be grounds for dismissal.

I've seen a number of surprising things....spousal abuse, falsified college degrees, DUIs and disorderly conduct citations. As I've said before in this thread, a single screw up usually can be dismissed as long as the applicant's record has been clean for the last 3 plus years. A history of more than one is usually more of a concern and is generally an impediment to an offer of employment with a larger airline. On more than one occasion we had to pull someone out of class and send them packing...always because they did not disclose things as required by the application, and usually it was a history of problems. Then, the poor guy would have to live with a termination on his record too...

The best bit to take home out of this is just to be honest. You can usually work it out in the end.