Dgwoodyjr22

Hello,
I need some assistance for the subject title. To give a little information about myself, I’m 24 years old with 45 college credits and a lot of work experience. I always wanted to learn how to fly and perform it as my career but was reluctant due to the cost of training. I decided not to let money be the issue and persue my dream of flying. My only issue is I do have a criminal record but let me explain... I used to work as a corrections officer, long story short I was put in a situation in which I felt the need to defend myself. My employer deemed it excessive, charges were filed, some were dropped and I have “harassment” on my record (expunged in 3 years) which is a summary offense. In addition, the most problematic charge is, I live in PA, I owned a firearm, had a permit to carry and crossed state lines into NJ, was caught and charged with unlawful possession, however, will also be expunged in April of 2019. Could this be an issue when it comes to applying to airlines? I don’t want to spend time and money training if it is. If someone has insight on this issue I would really appreciate feedback. Thank you!

trip

It's too soon after these problem years. Keep a clean record for ten years and you would probably have a good chance.
If your really into flying and airplanes then get your private/instrument and build some time while you wait this out.

YerOnGuard

As long as they aren’t felony counts you should be fine.

If I was in that position, I would call a couple airline recruiters and explain the situation just to get their opinion. It would certainly be worth your time to do it before you invest that much money in your training.

CFI Guy

Unlawful possession of a firearm is a TSA interim disqualifier (7 years). The TSA will see expunged records and you will have to disclose it.

https://www.tsa.gov/disqualifying-offenses-factors

TiredSoul

If I’m not mistaken he could still do everything except 135/121 correct?
CFI, pipeline patrol and all the other jazz you’re allowed to do with a Conmercial?
Firefighting?
So he potentially could have 3500-4500 hrs in 7 years.
Without any failed checkrides or any other infractions of the law.
Probably better not to get any speeding tickets either.

galaxy flyer

As I understand it, it would depend on if the airport requires a TSA SIDA badge. I needed one, full program, at BDL non-airline side.

GF

Dgwoodyjr22

Is the 7 year disqualifier just based on if you were charged and it never was expunged, or everything else included?

galaxy flyer

Expungement doesn’t matter to the TSA, they can see it, regardless.

GF

rickair7777

Assume they can see anything, including arrests and expungements. But only convictions count for the TSA, they will not "weigh" or "consider" other factors, their rules are very black and white, and you can google them.

I don't know if an expunged conviction counts for the TSA SIDA determination, you'd have to ask TSA or a lawyer.

deftone

Sorry to say, but they don't mess around with SIDA, it's a yes or no deal. Even if expunged they will see it.

Don't give up though, get your commercial and get a gig that doesn't require SIDA. Build hours for a few years and it might all work out eventually.