And I think you're missing my point that on this particular issue, it is the only dimension worth considering for me. You are right, I am not on a hiring committee. Do you really think I don't understand what you are saying? Of course I do, but under these circumstances (2 DUI's) it is irrelevant to me. There are plenty of non safety related careers in the world. Let him go and pursue one of those. It is a privilege to work in our industry, not a right.

I can tell you for sure that one of the DUIs was fairly recent, as was the termination. I'm not talking about some old timer with DUI's from a distant past.

Yes we all know mesa will hire anyone who is (barely) legally qualified for the job. But when the supply/demand equation is in their favor even mesa will suddenly develop standards.

If you have serious background issues (but can still barely qualify for a SIDA badge) mesa is probably your best 121 option...but don't wait too long, they only welcome all comers when they get desperate for pilots every seven years or so.

Although I in no way condone drinking and driving, I would in no way say that his career potential is over. This bidness is all about politics. If he networks well or is a minority, he'll possibly be at a mainline before most current rj captains. And before the pc crowd screams bloody murder for the minority comment: am I wrong? Exactly.

It wasn't Mesa.

This is true of many large corporations (not just aviation) which are so inundated with volume of applications that they do not have the time or resources to carefully vet all potential employees. Some smaller companies do though, and as always, who you know matters.

Additionally our "society" (if you can call it that) is so messed up I don't try to use its norms as a proverbial yardstick.

It has been a long time, but some follow-up on this thread... my son attended universty and graduated summa cum laude, he flew aerial tours for a summer, then got on with a charter company and was able to fly corporate jets for a few years - it was an awesome opportunity and experience from a great and very understanding company, after that he got on with one of the US domestic regional arilines and is now working his way to captain. His goal is still to fly with one of the big boys someday and I am sure he will, but due to some good advice that I got on this forum and a very helpful phone call with a Delta career counselor at the start of it all he has been very successful and this little episode has not impacted his career in a negative way.... that being said, it was a very eye-opening event for him (and us his parents) and I think he has come out the other side a much more mature, capable, and safer pilot. He kept his nose clean in college, studied hard, graduated at the top of his class, built a strong network of mentors, and most importantly he became good at telling his story, honestly and openly. I am so proud of him, I tell everyone, and I mean everyone that my son is an airline pilot and even though I haven't been on one of his flights yet, I do look forwad to critiquing his landing some day, from a passenger's experience. :-)

awesome! Thanks for the follow up. Normally we never know how these stories turn out

Congratulations to your son for persevering despite a hard hit early in his career. While there is a lot of negativity and even questionable, snide comments and advice here and every other forum, most people here want to help and cheer those in need of good advice on. I am so happy to hear that he overcame his one indiscretion and went on to be a great example to others to never give up. As a pilot who helps with recruiting, I love to hear a comeback story like this from a candidate and I firmly believe in second chances.

Like a previous poster said, we hardly hear the outcome of a poster’s dilemma; We really appreciate your update here.

Thanks,

That’s awesome to hear! Seems like your son did a great job owning up to the mistake and learning from it. FWIW, a good buddy of mine got picked up by UAL last month despite having a dui from his early days in college.