Before I start I'd like to say that I'm asking these questions due to this being an anonymous posting site, and in hopes that I can continue posting here without any negative judgements on myself.

With that said I'll tell my brief story and ask a few questions in hopes of USEFUL input and answers. I know what I did was wrong, I have paid for it and will continue to pay for it throughout my career.

At the age of 17 I was pulled over and charged with a DUI. After completing a diversion program the charges were dismissed and I was also able to save my drivers license with no suspension. Due to not starting flight training yet, not being convicted, and not having my drivers license suspended I have never reported this to the FAA, which I believe is the correct action after reading the FAR's repeatedly. Although I was never convicted, I know I will likely have to answer yes to being arrested in an interview and will have to tell my story.
I have only recieved one ticket since then (actually on the evening of my 21st birthday, and I wasnt drunk, oh the irony), which I have read is a good thing, but none would be better.

I am now 23 (6 years later), on the verge of becoming a CFI and I am looking for some input on some questions I have on fast-approaching regional interviews....

1.) Knowing that I'm at a disadvantage in the interview, is there anything at all that could level the playing field slightly?
2.) Is getting hired at a decent regional out of the question, or should I automatically shoot for the lesser quality of the bunch?
3.) Should I plan on being stuck at a regional for my career, or is a major a realistic goal?
4.) I am not sure on the language, but I know the Canadians have a problem with DUI's... the key word there is also convicted, if I remember correctly. Is this something I should look into and possibly obtain before sending out applications?
5.) I'm in the process of obtaining my own fingerprinted FBI check, if no mention of a DUI shows up but an arrest does, could/should I try and get away with leaving those three letters out in an interview?
6.) Although I'm pretty sure I'm right, did I do the right thing in not telling the FAA?

Any responses and additional information would be great. In hopes of not having this thread hijacked like a similar post I have read, lets try to keep this relating to getting a job, not about how people like myself should be tarred, feathered, and hung from a tree, please.

Thank you ahead of time, and I look forward to chatting with everyone here on APC!
(hows that for a first post!?ha...sorry that was really long)

 

I have some good advice on this. Please PM me. The website won't let me PM you. Or you can give me your e-mail address. You might have nothing to worry about.

 

Typically the only records that are kept (and questions for interviews) are those that deal with convictions, not arrests. In fact, I don't even think arrests will show up on a background check. Usually an employer is able to get info only on convictions, even if they are expunged or records sealed, but not arrests. If employers were able to base judgements on arrests, that could be considered unfair, especially if later proved the person did not commit the crime. I was never asked at an interview if I had ever been arrested or charged with a crime (although one of the questions did ask if I was CURRENTLY charged with a crime awaiting trial), but if I had ever been convicted of a crime. So, I would just be honest. If asked if convicted, say no. If for whatever reason they ask about arrests (highly unlikely), then say yes.

 

I think since you were under 18 it was washed away when you hit that magical age. So I don't think you have to tell anyone. But you never know, maybe you should consult a lawyer and see what he thinks.

 

Tiger, with my low post count I cant PM yet, but I have added you to my BL and as soon as I can I will contact you. Thanks guys for the quick response, keep em coming...

172capt, I have contacted a lawyer, he said the diversion will show up. However, I need to contact the lawyer I used to make sure on this because he would know all of the stipulating factors, thanks for the response.

 

I dont think any airline employer will ask about arrests. If I remember correctly back to employment law they cant ask about arrests only convictions.

 

As long as you have a good record since, you have nothing to worry about. You may have had the charges removed from your record due to being a minor, good behavior, etc. However, when this question has come up in the past there is a common response. BE HONEST about it. Turn what might be viewed as a negative into a positive learning experience.

While not in this situation, I have a number of friends that had DUI/DWI's in college. The ones that have applied for pilot positions at regionals have gotten the jobs with two exceptions. One had more than one offense. The other failed to disclose the DUI to the airline he was employed at and was canned during training.

 

I know SEVERAL regionals that can see if you were charged with something but not convicted.......screwed over a friend of mine, and they said he lied..... even though he didnt

 

I agree. Back in the 80s, after an interview, TWA called to ask me about an arrest that had been expunged from my record. Same deal.

 

Thanks for the input guys. So far I've gathered that depending on how they word the question, just tell them the truth (ex. arrested, convicted, charged, being key words), but if they dont then dont mention it? This seems to be the gist.

However, im also looking for those specific answers so can anyone go down that list and tell me the answer to my questions #1-6?