driving record
 

I just recently got an interview with American Eagle. I was curious how a poor driving record weighs in on getting hired. I had a suspension about 4 years ago and currently one chargable offense in the past three years. My history is not very good with one accident and three tickets. If anyone has any idea if thats disqualifying or what not I would greatly appreciate it.

Go to the National Driver Registry:

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/perform/driver/

Buy a copy of your report. Report everything proactively to American Eagle. Never lie, they WILL find out and you WILL lose your job. Admit your mistakes, accept responsibility for them, and hopefully show how you are changing so that you won't make the mistakes again. If there are no drug or alcohol related offenses you should do fine. Pilots tend to drive fast.

[QUOTE=Mitchell T]I just recently got an interview with American Eagle. I was curious how a poor driving record weighs in on getting hired. I had a suspension about 4 years ago and currently one chargable offense in the past three years. My history is not very good with one accident and three tickets. If anyone has any idea if thats disqualifying or what not I would greatly appreciate it.[/QUOTE

Time is your friend, the further your charges are behind you the better. Even if a person got a DUI; if its in the past(3-5) years, you would probably be alright. I have heard that honesty is the factor that they look at. This is just what I have heard from a couple different people.

If they look at it, it won't be a plus. You better come up with a good story. If I were looking at 1000 apps for 50 positions I would reject you. Sorry. When I did some interviewing for ACA years ago we did not look at driving records but it was amazing how superior candidates stood out. You'd be surprised at how sloppy and disorganized some people can be. Look and act like the responsible guy your driving record doesn't reflect and you have a shot.

The previous post is right, BUT since you already have the interview your chances are much better. They want to hear your side of it.

The one ticket in the last three years is nothing (assuming it wasn't reckless or somethimg like that).

The suspension 4 years ago might or might not be a big deal...If you're 23 and it happened when you were 19...a person can grow up a lot in 4 years.

But if you're 38 and you had your license suspended at age 34, they will probably assume that if you hadn't learned by age 34 you never will...

Eagle is pretty stringent (they assume that you will end up at mainline someday). Other regionals might be more forgiving. Like the other guy said: DO NOT LIE. Even if your record is expunged...it might be expunged at the county level, but not in other places. Remember there's a federal background check involved.

Everything else had better be outstanding...things like all first time passes on your certificates and ratings, never failed an FAA exam, good grades in college, excellent CFI pass rate, excellent recommendations, etc...and come across in the interview as someone they would want to fly with...

My driving record (interviewed in middle of '05):

• Suspended license when I was 17 (interviewed @ 24) for a moving violation under 18
• 3 Tickets: 1 red light (1998), 1 disobeying traffic control device (2004), 1 speeding (2004)
• Multiple accidents - I rear end no damage, one skidding off road due to ice, and several were people hitting me

Eagle called me. So did Colgan, CommutAir, AWAC, ASA, and a slew of others.

You'll be ok as long as you disclose everything. ALSO, just because the NDR doesn't have it listed doesn't mean Eagle or whomever can find it - records exist in county court records even if it wasn't reported to the NDR (and yes, there are databases that list your COMPLETE driving record, so report EVERYTHING!!).

FROM EXPERIENCE!!!
BRING YOUR NDR WITH YOU! I interviewed at Eagle back in 1998.(Along with others,ACA,PSA,etc...). Had an incident on my record, was on the app, talked about it at the interview,...
Anyway, long story short, was "hired", got a class date (the whole FedEx pack), then 4 days before the class, got a standard "Thanks for interviewing", but no, good luck in your endeavors... Max Griffin
It seems (I found this out through a friend of mine at ACA), my NDR had two dates on it. The date of the Violation (with a "V" next to the date), and a month later the date of the Order of Suspension of my driver's license (an "O" next to it).
They thought I had TWO of the same violations within a month!!!
Unfortunately (or ACTUALLY fortunately), I couldn't do anything about it, 'cause on the application there is a clause that says they can hire/fire at anytime for ANY cause, and you sign it.
I say fortunately, because I ended up getting hired at Colgan, and within 6 months had a 1900 type, and a year later had a SF-340 type, and moved on to jets (DC-9, A320 type). Probably would still be sitting in the right seat at Eagle, or left seat junior in SJU.?
So just make sure they and you understand what your NDR staes.
Good Luck.

Driving record
 

What about this:

1 bad check conviction - 2000

Charges dropped/dismissed:
burglary - 2005
battery - 2003
Resisting w/o violence - 2003

All are misdemeanors except for the burglary. It's a felony charge. However, after the DA did their investigation, they dismissed the charges against me in all the dropped cases. Will that be held against me? Do the airlines look at the fact that charges were dropped and I have only one conviction?

Any advice?

Thousands of people with no convictions versus you with a conviction. Also, there's something about moral charater within the requirements of an ATP. I'm not saying no, or that people don't learn from there mistakes but two years wasn't that long ago and if I were in HR I'd have a number of qualified people that didn't raise any questions.

Driving record
 

I understand about integrity and character, however what you are telling me is that regardless of being exhonarated, found by the courts of not having committed any wrongdoing and cleared by the investigation of the State Attorney's Office, HR is basically still going to side w/the arresting agency?:eek: What then do we have the court system for???:confused:

Sir, I'm always trying to find a way to help and encourage people with their aviation aspirations, but in this case I don't think you could get a regional job. For the federal background check, many crimes are DISQUALIFYING (federal law). You should download that list, most airlines will have a form on their application site, and compare it to your record.

I think you will also have to disclose any arrests, and frankly even if you meet the federal requirement, your background will most likely prevent you from being hired by an airline for 10 years or more. This is my opinion only of course.

Additionally, there is a requirement that you be of good moral character to hold an ATP (FAR 61.153). I'm not sure how this is determined, but you would want to check with the FAA to find out if you would allowed to hold an ATP, and when.

If you really want to fly professionally, you could do the CFI thing, try to get on with a 135 cargo operator to build experince, then look for a corporate or charter job. Lot's of opportunity there, and no required background checks in corporate. Not sure about 135 background checks.

Good Luck

driving record
 

rickair7777:

As a matter of fact, I contacted one of the flight academies and told the Director of Flight Ops what my situation was. He said that after conferring with their contacts at the TSA and FAA, that I should have no problem with getting hired at the regional level as long as I was not convicted and those charges were indeed dropped.

I got $50 saying he was just trying to sell you something....those flight academy types are used car salesmen with epaulettes.

driving record
 

Believe you me, I have a few colleagues in the HR arena of the airlines. I plan on contacting them before I spend a dime of my money. Even if I'm not hired by the regionals,:o, just as rickair7777 suggested there is always corporate and Part 135. Flying missionary flights is an option as well. I'm anticipating my ordination to the diaconate (becoming an ordained deacon).:)

Well, that's a start, assuming the salesman was telling the truth. HOWEVER, the TSA & FAA are only concerned with minum legal requirements...they are the government and to them the lack of the conviction means legally it never happened. An airline may have a different point of view, especially with multiple events. Just my opinion.

How old are you?

driving record
 

I'm 44 and I know what thinking, "This guy waited until his forties to do the things teenagers do?" No. Not the case.

These infractions took place in Fort Pierce, Florida. The town and location says it all. You have some over-zealous LEO's still out there. For example, a burglary charge carrys a bond of no less than 40-50K. After the bond judge looked at my "record", he set bond @ $2500.00. Later, I was released on my own recognizance. Go figure.

In addition, even though I was not criminally prosecuted, I'm being prosecuted civilly and vocationally everytime I fill out a job application. The State will not expunge these charges...although they have been dropped.:eek: Seems really unfair to me.

driving record
 

You know, as a matter of fact, if there are some pilots out there who are HR people, or you are in HR, please by all means...weigh in on this. Getting info straight from the horse's mouth is worth its wieght in gold. I need to know NOW what my chances and options are.

Please advise!!!

driving record
 

Although this quote is from another thread, I have to agree. Even with my one conviction and (3) dropped charges, I still believe that I can make it to the regionals as an FO. I will have to get through my No's first.;) Like calcapt says, hard work, perserverance and attitude are the keys to success in any industry.

to atpwannabe:
 

I'm sorry. I hate to bring bad news but you are really behind the 8-ball with your history. I talked with two hiring recruiters, one at my airline and one at another top five regional I know. I did not share your age, but just the information you provided. You are not disqualified from part 121 flying by the federal background check, but you are right on the edge. If the 2000 conviction was a felony, you'd be out 10 years from that date, no question.

However, both said it would be unlikely your app would be pulled for review from the online systems. The reason is when they apply filters to the system to pull selected apps, they usually say "no convictions". Therefor you will need a very very strong recommendation to even surface your app because the recruiter is going to have to pull it by name. Then let's say you get to the interview where you will have to admit to the other arrests (the apps only ask for convictions). Your interview will probably be politely over there. The reason is companies won't spend the money on a background check on you. This is usually done while you are in training (why - they don't want to spend the money on people who don't show for training). They definitely won't let you start training for fear you won't pass. Lastly they just don't need to. There are too many pilots available that don't have your situation.

I strongly agree with what CalCapt said: persistance and a great attitude in this business will get you a long way. However, in your case I'm not sure persistance will be enough. I agree with others, especially at your age. I was hoping you could just hold off a few years and pursue the dream later in life. But at 44 I really think you are better off focusing on a corporate pilot or other position than hold hope for a part 121 job.

I wish I had better news. Maybe others here have different information. Good luck to you.

CLRS,

Whats a good age to start up at the regionals? 135 Freight? I'm 34 now and not looking into aviation as a second career after I leave the military / government at 42. I'm I too far behind? I have a clean record - clean enough to have been nominated to work at the White House. I had to decline due to the hours I would have been away from my wife and family.


Thanks,
LA

Assuming you'll have a military retirement, 42 is not too late for the regionals, you could upgrade at say age 45-47 and have 15 years or so as a captain.

If you're thinking of taking taking the next jump to the majors, it's possible (airlines don't really mind if pilots never reach the top of the pay scale), but at your age the dues-paying to payoff ratio wouldn't be good at a major.

One thing you could do is try to get all your ratings before you retire, and as much of your 1000/100 as you can. You have plenty of time to do it...I have plenty of military buds who CFI on the side.

Thanks...I appreciate it..

-LAFF

WEACLRS:

I want to thank you for your input. Having received information from someone who is in the industry is an invaluble resource.

I must admit it stings to hear what you have to say,:o , however, Part 121 is only one aspect of a flying career. As you pointed out, along with rickair7777, I have other options and I will exercise them. However, I do believe that there are some people out there, now in the industry, who read these threads, that have been in my shoes at one point in time or another and made it as a crewmember under Part 121 or 135.

Again thanks to you and rickair7777.

Hey atpwannabe.. I'm a little confused but I read several times where you went to ERAU? Did you not graduate or did you get a non-av degree?

Best of luck to you my friend.

No not at all. No question most regional pilots are younger, but we have a number of post 40 guys in the grew rooms. Regional airlines like them because they have a tendancy to stay. You may need to alter your expectations a little, but having a military retirement (I wish I did) and holding captain at a regional can make for a nice life with a little senority. I'd try very hard to choose a regional airline that you can make a career out of...and gain a quick upgrade (say, under 4 years). But note that in all of Air Inc's material they show a 15 year career, among other lengths. So it's very possible to still reach a major. SWA has hired at 55 and 56 before.

The route is still the same. PPL - Inst - Comm - Comm/ME - CFI - CFII - MEI - Instruct - 1000/100 ish - Regional FO - Regional Cpt - ??? Sure there are other ways, maybe better for some, and it all depends on hiring needs at the time you reach competitive min times. But there are a lot of second career guys in the field.

Thanks...Did you find out about the tour?

-LA

Chris:

Finished ERAU/Daytona Beach Campus/Fall of '87. BS in Aeronautical Studies/A.O.C.- Air Transportation Management(basically airline management). However, all of my work experience has been in airport management.

If you guys have bad driving records, DUIs or criminal history. Don't waste your time with regionals or airlines. They're not gonna hire you. There is just too many pilots on the market right now that have clean records.

driving record
 

LGD:

So, what's left? Corporate, freight (excluding UPS & FDX), charter?:confused:
Do you think I even have a chance at a flying career at any level?

Of course you do! There are a lot of flying careers that are not airline (and a lot more rewarding). If you have a good attitude and are an easy guy to get along with you should have no trouble in the corporate world, flying freight, instructing, sight-seeing tours, etc. Get a job at a busy FBO and keep your ears open for oppurtunities.

driving record
 

freezingflyboy:

Cool. I appreciate the info and most of all...the encouragement:) . Also, rickair7777 sent PM to person you suggested. Waiting on response. Thanks to all who have help me through this.

Marcus

ask somone else
 

Atpwannabe,I have a suggestion for ya. You should send Lori Clark an email and ask her your question. When you post a question here like yours; it is very subjective to to ones opinion. My advice, take what hear on here with a grain of salt. Everyone that participates on this forum is a know-it-all(most people on here) Lori has hired thousands of pilots, she can best answer your question. Keep your head high, dont get discouraged by some of the replies on here. Best of luck.
Dittidano

This is from a regional HR manager re. pilot hiring:



Be advised that I review the applications and will invite only those qualified to an interview. Factors that can disqualify applicants are:

1) Misdemeanor charges within the past 5 years-including DUIs.

2) Not meeting the minimum flight time requirements of 1000 hours total time and 100 hour s multi engine.

3) Excessive speeding/traffic tickets

Everyone
 

Guys lets not forget the credit report. I am sure that it isn't checked at the regionals yet but it soon will become common to check as part of a background check.

In addition a lot of you are banking on the current hiring situation to continue for years to come. I can assure you that change is in the wind. Five years from now I would bet that things will have slowed down considerably (or sooner) at the regionals. There is only so much room in the sky and airlines are already crying "surplus capacity". Back when I got hired at the regionals I had the least time in my class with 3800 hours and was the youngest at 28. Just a few years prior the new hires were C5 check airman and ex-blue angles. Those times are due to return.

SkyHigh

Unless you happen to sign a paper (usually with the very fine print at the bottom making it legal) it is very illegal for any company to check your credit report prior to employment. In addition the big three credit agencies have admitted time and again that inaccuracies on credit reports are widespread. Being turned down for any job because of a marginal credit report is very much a grey area and could open up said company to numerous lawsuits. Credit report is the LAST thing I'd worry about at an airline interview.

Would that be for all misdemeanors? I recieved a misdemeanor for a noise violation less than a year ago (The officer said the charge was pretty low, the same level of misdemeanor (class 2?) as urinating in public). So a noise violation or urinating in public pulls the same weight as DUI - no interview for atleast 5 years?

Obviously, having a record of any kind is not good for any type of job. I personally, know an Alaska Airline CA who had a criminal treaspassing when he was younger and a reckless driving violation. The reckless driving was not in a car, it was on an ATV. I dont really know if it matters and if airlines look at things like that. This guy made it, maybe just got luckey. Just my 2 cents here.

Well, that's what it says, HOWEVER I personally know a guy who got hired by the HR Manager in question, and he had a fairly recent public urination (which he was worried about), so I would guess that a noise violation would be OK.

I would suspect they are more concerned with real criminal stuff, like shoplifting.