So I got a ticket earlier this year for possession of marijuana and I read this on the code of Federal Regulations..............I just finished my class of primary ground school and got an endorsement to take the knowledge test but I have not yet started flying. My question is can I still fly and get the hours I need in order to take the test ? Does it mean I cannot fly until the year is up? Or does it simply mean I just cant take the test until the year is up ?

§61.15 Offenses involving alcohol or drugs.

(a) A conviction for the violation of any Federal or State statute relating to the growing, processing, manufacture, sale, disposition, possession, transportation, or importation of narcotic drugs, marijuana, or depressant or stimulant drugs or substances is grounds for:

(1) Denial of an application for any certificate, rating, or authorization issued under this part for a period of up to 1 year after the date of final conviction; or

 

My 0.02, you should really pick a different profession or at least be smart enough to not get caught if you're going to be doing drugs because your going to have a lot of explaining to when trying to get a job in future. From what I'm reading there, I don't see any reason you shouldn't be able to take a written since you aren't applying for a rating until you go to take a practical exam. You should also inform the FAA this has happened, however I would at least talk to your AME or better yet an attorney before you do that. The regulation your quoted also said "is grounds for", which to me sounds like they could use this as the reason for denial/revocation if they want to. The one thing you have going for you here is it doesn't sound like you have a license yet so at least you won't have a revocation on your record:)

 

Look around your local FBO or ask someone if they can recommend a lawyer who deals with the FAA. Absent that it is probably better to wait a year before applying for a medical.

 

I know I have stopped ever since I got the ticket, it is the only ticket I have ever gotten. I am 19 and got it when I was 18, I realized a lot and it does worry me about getting a job in the future but I am determined to not give up, I have stopped surrounding myself with those type of people. So the endorsement is for the written test not the rating one. The rating I need hours and the written I just need like a ground school lesson ? I don't think a lawyer can do much at this point it happened in February and I paid for it right away.

 

When you fess up to the FAA is important. The way I read it is you have to tell them when you get or renew your medical. I would make sure that is at least a year from when you were fined? But free advice is worth what you pay for it. You don't want to spend the rest of your life answering yes to: Have you ever had a medical denied?

PS. There are a couple of threads in the aviation law section below that might interest you.

 

Thank you very much and yes I'll just wait a whole year before I apply for the medical and maybe even the written ? Should I just take my written right now ? thank you, you are very helpful in advice.

 

I have no idea. I am a mil guy with about 20 hours of paying for flying to my name (if that). But ask the mods to move this thread to the aviation law forum or just ask your question there, good luck.

 

First off, you should join AOPA if you haven't already. Through them you can get expert advice instead of other pilots opinions.
Having said that, it's going to be tough for you to get hired with that blemish on your record initially. The impact of it will diminish over time and after 10 years shouldn't amount to a hill of beans as long as you keep a clean record.
Because of this, if I were you, I would hold off on training for now. Put some distance between you and the issue. This will give you more time to work and save up money towards the rest of your training which will give you a huge advantage financially. First and foremost, join AOPA!

 

Talk to an Aviation lawyer. This isn't a horrible deal because you were young but it will take some time to overcome.

I know of one person that received a minor in possession (alcohol) at 18, which entailed a 90 day revocation of their drivers license. He works for Delta now:)

Talk to an Aviation Lawyer, a web board is no place for legal advise.

 

On the regulation is says for certificate or rating is the written a certificate ?