rswitz

Last year while driving to FL, I got a reckless driving ticket in Virginia. Doing 82 in a 70. In VA, anything over 80 is considered reckless. That's a misdemeanor and technically a criminal offense.

I hired a Lawyer and had it reduced to a non-moving violation which did not result in a conviction.

My question is, do I have to report it on in airline application even though I was not convicted? Will it show up on my criminal or driving record?

deftone

I assume it will show up in a background check.

Wont be a problem when you get violated by the Feds for your time building "idea" anyway...

HeavyDriver

If other applicants have a clean driving record with compatible experience...Well, your going to be bypassed...You will find a job in aviation, but your dream job might be a hard sell to the HR department with a blemish on your record...

Remember pilots no longer hire pilots...HR is in charge of filling the cockpit now.

Brokeasspot

I don't have the contact information with me, but google how to request your NDR. National Drivers Record. It will tell you if anything is on there.

rickair7777

This might go either way...

It may depend on exactly how the process played out. It's possible that you might have an arrest for reckless in the FBI databse which is checked when you get a SIDA badge.

I doubt the NDR shows a reckless, I *think* that's just convictions. But you can and should get a copy of that, also pull your state driving record and your VA record if they allow that. Just to make sure it says what you think it says.

Good news...

1) The conviction was only for a "regular" traffic violation, which is not a PR and liability issue for the company.

2) Unlike the commonwealth of VA, most rational people don't really consider 12 over to be truly "reckless". 85 in a 45, yes but not 12 over.

Best thing is probably to be honest as always, if they ask about CONVICTIONS, you can say no. If they ask about arrests, you should be truthful but explain the situation.

If they ask about arrests and you want to roll the dice, you should maybe talk to an attorney.

IMO if the reckless was issued like a ticket and you were immediately sent on your way that is NOT an arrest. An arrest would require formal booking at the station. Not necessarily handcuffs and a ride in the paddy wagon, but if you went to the station, got finger-printed, processed, and released that would be an arrest.

If you weren't arrested and not convicted of reckless I think you're good. Read the questions the airlines ask and answer them verbatim.

Please not that it's not a crime to lie to an airline. But it is a crime to lie to the federal government, which includes the smurfs. I know a guy who lied to the airlines about a minor conviction, got hired, but then had to fill out the TSA form to get a SIDA badge. He read the fine print on the form that talks about felonies and federal prison...so he wisely decided to list his conviction (probably the only wise thing this guy ever did). Unfortunately for him, the airline staff were the people handing out and collecting the SIDA forms, and they noticed the conviction. He was of course fired that same day.

rswitz

Thanks guys. Yeah, it was issued exactly like a regular speeding ticket. In fact, it was the fastest ticket I've ever gotten. (As in he pulled me over, wrote the ticket and left immediately) was certainly nothing like an "arrest".

My lawyer said it won't be on my criminal record since it was reduced to a regular civil traffic infraction in court, which is actually less than a normal speeding ticket.

As far as my experience goes, most employment apps I've ever filled out ask about any CONVICTED crimes in your past. Sometimes even says not to say yes if not convicted. But then again I've never applied for an airline gig.

I'll see about pulling my NDR. Thanks

ALTBUS

Don't lie about the tickets. I listed all of them and wrote the conviction next to it as NOT CONVICTED. Which technically means it never happened. And I've gotten a handful of those. (Damn speed traps).

rswitz

Of course I'll be honest and forthright about everything. It just bothers me that the airlines take traffic tickets so seriously. Of any job you'd think one that requires flying a jet aircraft to be the least concerned about speed.

deftone

I dont think speed is the problem....more likely the ability to follow rules and acting in a "reckless" manner

FWIW...I, like many, also have had speeding tickets...so Im not judging.

ClarenceOver

hahaha. that was hilarious.