FAA revoked Medical after first DUI
#71
On Reserve
Joined APC: Jul 2015
Posts: 11
I had a similar situation. I had to go through the HIMS program with the FAA. On going monitoring, IOP Treatment, Support Groups, AA the whole 9 yards...but I was able to get a special issuance. This July the HIMS AME is going to recommend I come off monitoring and will be able to apply for a first class medical without restriction.
Now the hard part is finding a job. I am currently working on getting a CFI.
Would like to hear other stories with people with similar circumstances. Hope the best for you.
Vick
Now the hard part is finding a job. I am currently working on getting a CFI.
Would like to hear other stories with people with similar circumstances. Hope the best for you.
Vick
I'll share my experience. Hopefully I can help others with my information, and feel free to PM me if you have any questions.
It's not easy, that is for sure. We can all admit we made some kind of mistake and hopefully all of us have learned from it.
I received my DUI in April of 2014 while I was working as an Architect, BAC (>0.2). Approximately 6 months after my arrest I decided it was time to pursue my PPL. I always wanted to fly and I finally had the financial ability to do so, also I had long dreamed of flying professionally. I was worried the DUI would not let me do that, but I started with my PPL to see how I really liked it. Applied for a 3rd class and did my intro flight within the same month.
Show up at the AME office November 2014. Application deferred to OKC due to DUI with a high BAC. So I send some letters back and forth for a while with OKC, they requested additional information including court documents, arrest records, and a psychological evaluation from a psychologist with experience working with aviators (cost about $2,000 for his 3 hr interview and 18 page report) Eventually OKC decided the only way I can get a medical is through a special issuance with a HIMS medical sponsor. I find one in my area and sign right up. At last, June 2015, I get the letter of approval from OKC along with my 3rd class, solo that week since I had slowly been doing lessons this whole time and we were 7 months into the process now.
I still wasn't sure if I wanted to be a professional aviator at this time. I was certainly loving the flying and I also enjoyed working as an architect. Because of this my HIMS treatment was focused on a 3rd class medical rehabilitation, which was a minimum of 2 private therapy sessions per month, and two years of sobriety with random EtG urine tests. No inpatient care was required as it would be for a professional 1st class holder.
I got my PPL August 2015. By this point I was pretty sure I was going to switch over to a career of flying. I kept up with the HIMS (human intervention motivation study) and continued to make lifestyle changes to eliminate negative influences and situations in my life. I think it is kind of funny that it is called human intervention motivation study, because it will certainly push your motivation to become a pilot or to stay a pilot to the limits. I've been steadfast and held the course, I was determined, and I know that I love to fly.
Over the winter I studied instrument, commercial knowledge, and saved money for next spring and summer's training and time building. I completed my IR, CPL, and CFI by August 2016 and had a job lined up as a CFI at a big academy. I disclosed the DUI in my first contact with HR and they had no issues with it whatsoever. I had to commute across the country to meet with my HIMS sponsor doctor quarterly, but it was only for another 9 months.
I was taken off of HIMS and now hold an unrestricted 1st class. October 2017- still a CFI getting close on my hours, applying to regionals, and talking with recruiters. So far the DUI has not been a road block for any of them. Being honest about everything is your best option.
I just need to get my Canadian temporary resident permit (TRP) figured out, I'm almost ready to send off my application. I have found a list all of the requested documents, the application forms, and have my background checks. I don't really see how hiring a law firm would help me at this point, but I also don't want to hold up my application process and delay getting hired at a regional.
If anyone has any experience with getting a Canadian TRP, especially prior to employment at an airline, I'd greatly appreciate the help.
Last edited by firebat9er; 10-04-2017 at 04:57 PM.
#72
On Reserve
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Dec 2011
Posts: 14
Hey - thank you so much for the update.
Just to update the community on my story - I gave up on a flying career. I'm doing pretty well in an office job. About to go 1/2 in on a Cessna 177.
Am able to fly under the Class 3 Medical Reform, legally! Working through making good life choices, completely sober since the incident years ago, and loving life.
Just to update the community on my story - I gave up on a flying career. I'm doing pretty well in an office job. About to go 1/2 in on a Cessna 177.
Am able to fly under the Class 3 Medical Reform, legally! Working through making good life choices, completely sober since the incident years ago, and loving life.
#73
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Aug 2017
Posts: 120
Hey - thank you so much for the update.
Just to update the community on my story - I gave up on a flying career. I'm doing pretty well in an office job. About to go 1/2 in on a Cessna 177.
Am able to fly under the Class 3 Medical Reform, legally! Working through making good life choices, completely sober since the incident years ago, and loving life.
Just to update the community on my story - I gave up on a flying career. I'm doing pretty well in an office job. About to go 1/2 in on a Cessna 177.
Am able to fly under the Class 3 Medical Reform, legally! Working through making good life choices, completely sober since the incident years ago, and loving life.
Awesome..!!!!
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