From all the research I’ve done I have a decent idea of what to expect, but I’ve never posted here before so I want to get all of your opinions.

I have 275 hours, Commercial ASEL without instrument. I plan on getting all my certs full time starting in October, then instruct to build time with the goal of flying for a top regional, then a legacy.

My main concern is not so much the regional job, but in moving on to a Legacy. In 2012 I was arrested for a DUI, not convicted of that, but that doesn’t really matter and I assume that is exactly what the interviewer would think and/or say. Never been in trouble before or after that and currently don’t drink at all. My other blemish was a check ride failure on my commercial. Oral exam went great with the 83 yo stickler of a DPE and the practical went great.... until my last landing, 180 accuracy, into a 20 knot headwind I was so worried about making the runway I nearly had a gear up landing. I was devastated, embarrassed, and felt like a complete failure because I had that check ride in the bag. But it’s not in the bag until you are back in the hanger. The DPE told me he felt bad failing me because it was such a good check ride. I said I completely understand, I was responsible for both of us and that airplane, I’m sorry for putting you in that position. I passed the next day but that sticks with me like it happened yesterday and it was 5 years ago

What are your thoughts as far as getting an interview or offer with a legacy airline? I’ll take all the comments, good, bad or otherwise. Lay it on me.

Thanks!

 

As long as you avoid further issues neither of those will disqualify you and four or five years of successful 121 flying at a regional will put all that a decade behind you. Your chances are as good as most people and better than some.

 

Checkride failure ? Meh..
DUI is going to take some time to clean up.
Every job you take from now on do it long enough to get good at it and make a difference. Gold Seal flight instructor, FAA Safety team volunteer and so on.
Maybe 135 for a couple of years and upgrade.
Regionals and upgrade then start looking at ground or sim instruction, check airman and so on.
Shower that one mistake with all the ‘above and beyond’ stuff.
Don’t be mediocre Bob.
Stand out in everything you do in a good way.
People make mistakes that’s life.
Now go fix it.
And the Majors will always be a lottery, many goody two shoes with a blemish free background never make it there.
So don’t make that your only goal in life.

 

What those guys said.

One training bust in GA is a non-event, as long as you can articulate what you learned and how you've improved (without blaming anyone but yourself).

The DUI might be a non-event. I assume you reported it to the both FAA medical AND security.

If the case was totally thrown out many airlines cannot or will not even ask about arrests with no conviction (depends on state law, and the prevailing winds in plaintiff labor law). If it was plead down to a lesser offense, airlines will probably be savvy enough to spot that and ask for clarification.

Also some airlines will only ask about offenses committed in the last ten, or maybe even seven years.

If they ask (app or interview), answer the question. If they don't ask, don't tell them.

 

Well I certainly take the blame for both of those issues. Nobody forced me to drink or drive. And I was flying the airplane, pretty cut and dried I’d say. I’ve talked to a few regional recruiters and they said over 5 years is a non issue (for 1 I assume) and it will be over 10 years before I would meet major minimums so that’s a plus.

It was pled down to a lesser offense and I did report it to FAA. What do you mean about reporting to security? I’d have to look into that. I know it was a drawn out process to get my first medical certificate afterwards.

 

If you held a pilot certificate when it happened, you may have needed to report the event to FAA security within 60 days (depends on exactly what action was taken by DMV/courts). You also have to report it on your next medical, obviously.

If you didn't hold a pilot cert or medical when it happened, then you just needed to report it when you applied for your first medical.

https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org...airmen_duidwi/

 

Ok, yes I did both. Thanks for clarifying