I don't really have much to add, except when I was interviewed by PDT back in May, I was asked in the HR portion if I had ever been arrested. Don't know if it helps...its just something to consider.

I agree with this. You can turn many negative aspects about yourself into positives. I was always advised to talk about tickets, arrests, etc as somthing you learned from. Something along the lines of "when this happened I was young, but I learned from it and have had a clean record since. Thats what I said about the one ticket I got when I was 16. It was no longer on my record, but I wanted to play it safe by putting it out in the open.

 

Your best bet is to be staright forward and honest. There isn't one airline out there that hasn't employed a pilot with a spotty record.

Keep your nose clean from here on out and it won't be an issue. When you interview, own up to your mistakes and show that you've LEARNED from them. There probably will be a company or two that choose to skip over your resume. But just as many won't give it a second thought.

My biggest thought is don't try to work a "backdoor" or work the system. If you think you need to disclose the situation, then do so. Don't try to "overread" the application or get into the semantics of "arrested, convicted, charged." In the end, you (hopefully) know that you f-ed up, and you've learned from it.

 

At first glance, I thought you were saying there's not an airline out there that doesn't have a spotty record itself.

That could be true, too.

 

1) You have a couple of distinct advantages here...you were very young and a significant amount of time has passed. Age 17 - 23 is a long time in terms of maturity. If it had happened at age 30 and you were now 36, you would be hosed though. I would probably be inclined to tell them about it because it will probably not preclude employment at most airlines. However if they ask, you say no, if they do find out about it later you would probably be fired. This usually happens during ground school...most ground school classes lose somebody who thought they wouldn't find out about something. Take full responsibility (don't blame it on your buddy, your girlfriend, the cop, etc) and tell them what you learned from the experience.

2) Start with the best and work your way down (that's an option in today's hiring environment). If you are otherwise competetive you will probably get a job with a decent company.

3) By the time you get to the major level it should not be much of an issue (but only because of your age at the time...an older pilot in that situation might as well get real comfortable where he's at).

4) I am fairly certain the Canadian immigration thing would apply only to bona-fide convictions. I think they check your name on Interpol. Call your local Canadian consul and ask them (maybe don't give them your name though ).

5) Not sure if the FBI will give you access to the same info that might show up on an airline check. But as far as the interview it would depend on the exact wording of what they ask...I have been asked about arrests at interviews. Be very careful if the interviewer asks a vague question " so did you ever have any run-ins with the law?" That could mean whatever THEY want it to mean...

6) If I understand your situation correctly I think you were OK in not telling the FAA. HOWEVER...BIG danger here: Are you CERTAIN that the state did not consider your license suspended at the time of the arrest? They often do that automatically, especially for underage DUI. If there was ANY suspension, regardless of how temporary, then you should have told the FAA. Honestly I would contact an lawyer who specializes in Aviation/FAA issues, it wouldn't cost much and they could tell you for sure (nobody on the internet can do that). If there is any doubt on this it is ABSOLUTELY VITAL that you get it resolved with the FAA before you apply for airline jobs. If it comes up later that you didn't report a DUI incident on an official FAA form you would lose your tickets and get fired...for certain.

 

Thanks Rickair, that was very informative post. I would bet that an interview probably would have a guestion like you mentioned... "did you have any run-ins with the law", so all in all I think I would be better off just telling the story no matter what the wording. However on airline apps it asks if I was convicted, so that one I'm definitely saying no to.

As far as the drivers license, I was issued a temporary 30 day, and before that ran up I had already saved my license, but you are probably right, it would be better to consult a professional. Thanks again for the post.

 

The word expunged is the same as pushing the erase button on a CVR it does nothing but give you a false sense of security. As far as turning 18 that means nothing too. As time passes and as the demand for pilots increases your chances get better every day. At 17 we are all young and dumb they know that too so i think you can get a job at some point.

 

I was told that "in the eyes of the law an expungement of a conviction can be truthfully stated as that you have no convictions" This is from a law resource. So how would the regionals view it? If a misdameanor was expunged and the record is clean will they see it the same way or will they think otherwise?

 

I know AWAC says dont let the door hit u in the A$$ when they find an "expunged thing" on your record......... no if's and's or butt's apparently! And this is AFTER your hired

 

Yeah and i hear both ways. Im not sure if some things are just blown up rumors or its the honest to gods truth.
http://www.airwis.com/2006%2008-20%2...ment%20App.pdf
This is an AWAC background check application and it says under criminal background....expungments are not considered in the hiring process and not required for disclosure. So if that was true why would they go as far as that and run you out after being hired already?

 

1> If you decide to tell the story - you now have a great "I learned from that and improved my life story." Airline HR folks don't expect you to give up after a little adversity (even if self inflicted). They expect you to get up, brush yourself off and get back in the game.
2> Shoot for all the airlines you are interested in. Candidly, you should have no problem getting hired in today's market.
3> A major is a realistic goal, but probably only after some time has passed. Keep your record clean.
4> Has not been a problem for 121 airline employees that I've heard about.
5> This will not be an issue on a security / background check. It was not a felony conviction.
6> Criminal Law and Federal Regulations do not match language, definition, or intent, leading to a lot of confusion. I would think this would be reportable because the FAA has a different standard. However, this question rises to the level where you don't want an opinion from some guy on a web board, or even a local non-aviation attorney. If you are an AOPA member, they have experience with this sort of question. Also, once you are at a 121 carrier, you could ask your local ALPA attorney.

In fact, ALPA legal and aeromedical are probably the two best sources to answer your question and they might talk to you as a courtesy. Look up ALPA's office in Herndon, VA on the internet and tell them you are planning to be an airline pilot. They might give you a $1,000 worth of legal advice for free.