twobecrazy

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I have a problem. I've known this for awhile and I've researched this topic extensively. I think I know what course of action I need to take next but would like some opinions before I continue.

I'm in my early 30s now and want to make this my career as it has always been a life long dream. I have family at a major airline that is willing to help me get on as soon as I'm done with my training. He/she already knows about this situation and is researching it as well from their end. I also have an individual who knows me well willing to get me into a part 135 operation which will allow me to begin building my flight time.

I realize you don't know me and it is very hard to portray the type of individual I am but I'll try to give you a little background info. I'm really easy to get along with but I am also extremely driven and hard working. I haven't had a vacation in 3 years. I am presently working 2 jobs while pursuing my masters degree and flight training. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make this happen.

Now for the bomb. I'm sure you all already know whats coming because like you I have read it so many times before. A month after I began my flight training I was arrested for DWI. This was the second time I was arrested for this, however, nothing came of the first (REALLY LONG STORY). Everything is COMPLETELY off my record except for the fact that I was arrested which doesn't go away. I never paid any fines or had any suspension of license. This is where my problem begins.

I didn't report the first one on my initial FAA screening because I thought everything was gone due to the charges being dropped. I know the rules now and I need to get a new medical soon (due to my flight school requirements). I plan on reporting this at this time which I believe is going to be a problem with the FAA. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Now for my present arrest. I didn't blow. I was informed by my lawyer years ago to never blow no matter what. Well I didn't have the knowledge of the FARs at the time and did what my lawyer always told me to do. I'm looking at getting a suspended license which I would be required to report to the FAA within 60 days. He thinks he can get the DWI reduced to a reckless driving or something like that. So basically I would have a suspended drivers license without a DWI conviction.

Once again, I'm willing to fight as much as I can to make this happen as it has always been my dream. What do you think? Thanks!

Sincerely,
TBC

PotatoChip

Know the right people in the right places... the VERY right people in the VERY right places actually. You can still have a career in aviation, I just wouldn't set my hopes on going to Delta/United/FedEx.

FWIW, I've had a suspended license (no alcohol involved) and it has not hindered me to my knowledge yet. I was 17 at the time.

Good luck. There are plenty of opportunities with the right networking. But the biggest piece of this is whether or not you've truly learned something and don't EVER repeat it. I hope so. Good luck.

Ottopilot

Talk to an aviaiton lawyer. Try AOPA legal. AOPA Pilot Protection Services

USMCFLYR

Did I read this correctly?
You have family at a MAJOR airline that is telling you that they will help you get on with the MAJOR airline as soon as you are done with your training (I'll assume this means Comm Instrument and ME ratings - not even any instructor certificates)?

MUCH more plausible.....but still not a walk in the park.

As far as the history you gave - and the issues with the FAA - it will be tougher than the normal bear - but you won't know until you give it a shot. Do you have a plan B and C?

rickair7777

Talk to a lawyer you specializes in FAA matters BEFORE you fill out another medical form.

Your potential for major airlines is low, and getting lower by the minute, but you might be able to salvage some hope there depending on how you manage this situation.

1) You need to minimize the legal damage.
2) Get this issue sorted out as far as the FAA goes, you MUST talk to a lawyer to figure out how to do this, I can't even suggest a course of action here.
3) Don't get another ticket, for anything, EVER (or at least until you get hired at that major).
4) Be prepared to address this at interviews...hopefully it can be something like you had a few drinks, enough to arouse suspicion, but were still legal. Then talk about the lesson learned. It might be beneficial to attend rehab...even if you don't need it, that might be a way to show that you identified and solved the problem. And of course you no longer drink

I would imagine that it will be AT LEAST ten years from final legal resolution before any major will touch you. Also you may have legal issues entering Canada (search APC for more info), which will keep you from getting hired by most large regionals for five years.

You said you're willing to do whatever it takes...that's good because it's going to take quite a lot, and even then there are no guarantees.

Yoda2

I hate to bring the bad news, but you are most likely screwed. In the old days, maybe you would stand a chance, not any more. Your indisrections will affect lot's more than your chances in the 121 world. 135 is the same nowadays. The question on the medical application was modified relatively recently. It formerly inquired about convictions, it now asks about arrests; as any employer and insurance companies will as well. I agree that some aspects of your delima are not set in stone, while some are. You will be lucky if the FAA even lets you maintain your PPL with two DUI arrests much less getting hired. Technically you could be in violation right now due do personal decisions that have possibly rendered your medical invalid. Additionally, your arrests have affected your right to travel to some other countries, namely Canada. Even if you managed, by some miracle to clear all the hurdles that you are faced with, you will have a difficult time being hired with the travel restrictions alone. The final decision will be determined, on a case by case basis, by the folks at the Drug and Alcohol Unit in OK, City. Good luck...

twobecrazy

Sorry Sir, my mistake on saying training. I meant as soon as I am competitive. I was informed by BOTH that I don't need Instructor certs just focus on getting commercial and ME. Then I just need to take a CRJ course. That being said I plan on getting them anyways and instruct whenever able.


Yes, my plan B concerns my Masters. Plan C is work my way up with one of my present employers (I really like the company and they already want me to do more but I've resisted so far).

twobecrazy

Thanks! YES, I've learned a great deal!

Yoda2

Additionally, I hate to say this, but just so you are aware... Your situation could also affect your contingency plans. You might incurr the wrath of your states motor vehicle department; that particular issue could affect your, non aviation, employment in various ways as well. You have a long road ahead of you my friend.

twobecrazy

WILCO

Roger... I'm under the assumption I will be getting my license suspended. However, my lawyer is pretty confident he can get the DWI to go to a reckless driving (not good but better). I will contact an aviation lawyer to see about what I can and can't have.

I will make this happen! I typically drive really well. I haven't received many tickets in my driving history (knock on wood).

I'm on this as well. Some of my research towards my masters will be geared towards safety and the affects of alcohol. There is a program at school I am looking at volunteering for. It is to develop non-alcohol involved activities. I was also wanting to do some work that will show younger individuals the results of poor decision making and the affects of drinking and driving.

Yes, this is a very big problem! In theory, the part 135 operation would allow me to skip a regional and go straight to a major due to the equipment they fly. However, I would still try for a regional because in my opinion it would provide invaluable experience.

Thanks sir! I truly appreciate it.