Bicycle DUI, will it affect my future?
 

Hello all, new student pilot here. I have finally decided to pursue my dream of a career in aviation, however something was brought to my attention this week that has me quite worried. About 4 years ago, I was arrested for DUI on my BICYCLE (never was aware I was breaking the law until it was too late). I was awarded PBJ in court, which is a non-conviction under Maryland law. Also, because it did not involve a motor vehicle, my drivers license was not affected in any way. Other than that incident, I have a clean record both driving and criminal. Will this affect my chances at employment down the road? Thanks to anyone for the insight! Hoping for the best!

Might want to move this to career questions

I know Piedmont Airlines requires 5 years post DUI conviction/ adjudication for forgivenes. Sounds like you'll be close to that soon regardless of what the company would view a PBJ as ( what does that even mean). At the regional level it won't be a career ended after the right amount of time has past. If you're worried about the majors I know guys hired 10 years past date of adjudication, but it might be worth applying to a AA wholly owned regional with a flow so you have the flow to American Airlines as a fallback if it hinders you elsewhere.

Thank you for the input! PBJ, or probation before judgement, means that there was no judgement/conviction, given I agreed to a 1 year unsupervised probationary period.

It's not a show stopper for a regional, or a major anymore for that matter. Just know that there are more obstacles in your way than there are for most.
For starters when you go to get your first class medical the FAA will want in writing your drinking habits, past and present, and possibly a substance abuse evaluation.
Also make sure you disclose this to them, and all employers. The airlines do an FBI fingerprint check and federally the only thing that doesn't show up is an expunged record, PBJ, Deferred Adjudication, all that only really helps at the state level and with private companies not regulated by a federal entity. So be ready to explain it and what you've learned from it. If you really want to make it to a major look for other opportunities to make your resume stand out because you will have to overcome that blemish.

That cop that cited you for that needs to go suck an egg

My cousin ended up in CCU after hitting a wall dodging a drunk on a bike. THINK ABOUT THAT.

What does the paperwork show for charges on your arrest? Not sure how they can give you a DUI when you weren't operating a vehicle. Sure it wasn't public drunkenness or disturbing the peace? Either way you'll need to disclose it and what you write deserves consideration. Intoxicated on a bicycle might work. Maybe try to avoid "DUI, or ...under the influence," language for automated screening issues...?

Things like this aren't necessarily deal breakers anymore but they are still giant black marks which will be used as starting points looking for trends of associated negative behavior patterns. The regionals are one thing but at the majors the rest of your application must be pretty stellar to have something like this. With a real DUI you probably need to otherwise be picture perfect. And even though things are loosening up now, this industry has a solid history of ups and downs and what is forgiven today will probably be forbidden down the road. I wouldn't lose sleep over it if it's your only blemish.

Best of luck.

Bikes have to follow the same rules as a car if you are on a public road. That includes operating under the influence of something.

But to OP, you said there was no conviction. If that is true then what is this thread about? The questions on apps are always along the lines of 'have you been convicted...'

And I would say it is best to drop the whole 'I didn't know it was illegal part of your story' ignorance of the law is no excuse and just makes you look ignorant.

Should've hit the bicyclist instead.