I am supposed to start my training in 3 weeks at ATP in Daytona Beach FL. After getting ready and studying for the past 3 months I have really enjoyed the experience already. However, my past might come back and bight me in the a$$. After looking at some forum posts on how strict the new Background checks are when trying to get hired by an airline I decided to run a check and see if my juvenile records were accessible. They were, I was actually shocked because my lawyer said once I turned 18 they would not be retrievable by employers. I do know that FBI background checks can pretty much dig up any dirt. But what should I do, I have already spent hours studying and already have the loan and deposit payed. Im not stuck with the loan it hasnt been dispursed yet. But what should I do. Is my juvenile record something I should worry about?

By the way for the record I have completely changed my life style it really sucks my past has come to haunt me once again. I am 21 now this happened when I was 15. I was charged with (1) 2nd degree felony and (2) 3rd degree felonies.

Please just give me straight up truth. Its a shame that even though I have changed the way I am. Theres no way to really show it.

Thanks.

I thought it would be more appropriate if I posted this here.

 

You were a kid. Be honest about it and keep your nose clean and it shouldn't affect you.

Given the current environment, I would worry less about that and more about being thousands in debt with no job prospects. There are thousands (literally) being furloughed in the next couple months who will be competing with you for those jobs. If you don't have a degree I would take some time to get one and plan on instructing for a while.

 

Thanks I appreciate it. I have heard about Part 135 airlines and saw a couple that were hiring. Would these be good or should I consider CFI for a couple years while working on a degree and then maybe get into cargo or corporate?

 

Ya pilotpip is right in every aspect there. But I would not be looking at 135 ops yet. Get out there and instruct. You will learn a lot and have fun doing it.(I did.). and get a 4 year degree in any but aviation.

 

To fly part 135 as pilot in command you have to have 1200 total time and 500 cross country. Note, it's just point to point. NOT the 50nm required for ratings.

Some places offer SIC programs but be skeptical of most of them. Many require you to pay for the time and this is not looked upon kindly. Many are also not legit as the planes they are flying only require one pilot and because of that you only get to log empty legs. I think Airnet is one of the few that pays you.

Instructing is a great way to gain experience. It will make you a better pilot if you're wise about it. It's not about doing touch and gos and ground ref all the time.

 

I dont think I can go wrong. If I keep my head straight and my eyes forward into the future I think i'll be fine. Yea I might not exactly be where I want to be at first. But I think the aviation field is broad. Im sure I will meet people, and new opportunities for jobs will come my way.

This record might affect me for certain jobs, but im sure I can find something out there.

 

Did you get a medical yet? I am not sure if they ask if you have been arrested or convicted? but I would put the truth down there anyway. They will most likely just send you a letter asking you the details and you should be all set.

Did these charges have any thing to do with drugs?

 

This is an interesting case... Typically, juvenile records are not accessible - at least not in their entirety.

Without knowing the facts of what you are talking about it is difficult, at best, to give valid opinion. It just simply depends on what the convictions were. And, what does your record look like now? That includes speeding tickets. Do you have a blatant disregard for the law? (That is a question they will ask themselves.)

In most cases, juvenile stunts don't have long-term effects, as long as there isn’t any trend. Meaning, keep your nose clean! Like pilotpip said, the best you can do is be honest about it.