MusDg

Looking for some guidance. In 2002 I was accused of negligent assault. This is a 1st degree misdemeanor in Ohio. It basically boils down to accidently hitting someone in a parking lot with a car.

To make the story brief it goes like this: the girl-I-was-dating's ex-boyfriend, the ex's cousin, and the cousin's girlfriend made statements that I hit the cousin with my car twice. I was on my way home from work with no alibi when this was said to have happened. It came down to 3 statements vs. 1. I got scared and took a plea that gave a fine, 3 years probation, a record, and sent on my way.

Now with Canadian law I am no longer permitted to enter Canada regardless of the level of assault without jumping through a million hops. Then I'm not even certain for how long I can be in Canada and if the terms ever expire.

I currently have a great job working as a CFI screening Air Force pilots. Making just about the same as a senior regional captain. Of course there are many joys with flight instructing but from time to time you just want to fly from point A to point B all day long.

So with that story I feel pretty much stuck. Where am I going to find the next step in my flying career when/if my current contract expires when I can't get in to Canada and who knows what other countries? Who, corporate/airline, wants to hire a pilot who may be limited to flying strictly in the US only?

You've got the airplane...

Pilotpip

Is it the only blemish on your record?

If so, I don't think you have much to worry about. Yeah, you'd have hoops to jump through for the Canadian flying but maybe now would be a good time to start jumping through them.

Of course, if I were making that money, I'd keep instructing. In fact, are you guys hiring? :)

FDXLAG

As no one else has chimed in I will say: Talk to a lawyer who specializes in aviation issues. Maybe you can get this expunged.

rickair7777

Tough one. You have several things you need to research...

You can get a waiver for entry into Canada, but IIRC you have to wait five years...the five years may start after completing the sentence, which would make a difference in your case. There are people on APC who have gotten this waiver, or you can contact the nearest Canadian consulate for info.

Also Federal TSA regulations have a long list of disqualifying crimes, which applies for ten years. You need to look that up and find out if you are on that list. There are no waivers for that, so if it affects you then airlines are not an option until 2012 or later.

Like someone said get some legal help...I'm not sure an aviation attorney would be appropriate because this is a criminal, not an FAA, problem. Look for someone who specializes in getting past matters mitiagated...you want to get this reduced or expunged if at all possible. While pilot employers are usually pretty forgiving of youthful indescretions such as public stupidity or drunkeness, this one crosses the line. Even if they want to hire you, they still have to consider how this will affect their liaibility in the event of an accident...a pilot with a history of using a vehicle to commit assault would not help their case.

Lastly, get some professional advice as to how to address this at an interview. Unfortunately trying to "explain away" the situation by saying you were framed will not work...each and every ex-convict can be expected to do that, and nobody is going to be believe them either.

My suspicion is that your best employment options may be with smaller part 91 or 135 operations, the owner can make a hiring decision without HR or legal department input (cuz I think we both know what THEY are going say). Also time is your friend...you might be able to fly corporate for now and get an airline job years later, after this event is in the distant past.

MusDg

Pilotpip,

We are hiring. About 3-4 instructors a quarter. We're just about done though. I think we'll have our full load by the end of the year. Of course we have openings when people leave. Since I've been here in Feb '08 I think about 4-5 out of our 45 CFI's have moved on. 200 hours dual given and/or 1 year instructor experience. They'll count IP experience in the military as well if you've got it. What Doss IFS looks for in an applicant is you having a good turn over rate of soloing students/high pass rate for primary students.

Doss Aviation Initial Flight Screening:Careers

MusDg

To All,

Thanks for the inputs. It's going to be a long row to hoe but it will be well worth it. I'm in the process of working with the Canadian consulate and I'm not an issue with TSA. I worked with American Airlines for 5 years. Three were after 9/11 and I cleared every time. I'm also contacting a couple of attorney leads back in Ohio to see what can be worked out. Again thanks much.

Cheers,
MusDg

Moonwolf

Wait, Your making as much as a senior regional captain? Flight instructing?

How much do senior regional captains make?

resetjet

Will Fly For Food - Professional Pilot Jobs, Interviews, Pay Rates, Forums and more!!!

MusDg

Yeah. The hourly wage isn't the same but I get paid 40 hours a week regardless of flight time. If I'm not flying I can either just chill at my desk for 8 hours a day or gather up some students and run through EPs or GK.

Bucking Bar

That likely can be expunged if you were a first offender and had had no other problems. Your attorney has probably already briefed you on the law in your State.

Unfortunately it will probably cost a couple thousand for the attorney's time and you are better off with an attorney who knows the locals.