Hello,

I am doing some research for a project on aviation security and background checks for pilots. For someone who dodges a conviction for let's say a DUI (or anything), would it be beneficial for them to have their arrest record sealed and expunged? Do the airlines still see it on a background check regardless?

Another question: how much TSA screening does an airline pilot encounter when going to work?

Thanks!

 

As I understand it...

A pilot is required to report a DUI arrest/adjudication to the FAA. The airlines should not see that, but it's out there.

Airlines have to check the national FBI database when hiring pilots. Significant crimes (including DUI) should be reported to the Db by the states. But state expunctions may not be deleted because that federal Db is for national security purposes and unlike normal court records is not available to the general public or most civilian employers. The states cannot "order" the fed to do anything. So an airline might see a record of something which had been expunged at the state/local level.




This is a security issue and we won't be discussing it here. The thread will be deleted if it goes there.

Not sure what your security project is, but that sort of info is protected from disclosure by federal law. Any crewmember or airline employee could get in huge trouble for disclosing it. You might even get a visit from MIB for asking.

 

Guess you'll find out eventually