AirTalk.org

Part86 · Guest

I have no flight experience, but I'd like to persue some kind of career as a
pilot. My problem is that I have two DUI's and I don't know how that effects my
opportunities. Does anyone have any knowledge on this subject? I'm 23 years old
and I don't neccessarily have to be a commercial pilot, but I'd like to fly.
Thanks

BTIZ · Guest

two strikes against you in a three strikes your out world..

you can fly.. you have to stay stone sober clean...

obviously you have shown that you have no control when drinking..

hopefully these are far into the past.. but at 23.. only two years of legal
aged drinking and two DUIs.. do not hold much promise..

it's hard to say either way.. the only way to tell is to try and get a Class
III student medical certificate.. and make sure you list your past
convictions... it's better you fess up.. then for them to find it later on
their own..

BT
"Part86" <part86 (AT) aol (DOT) com> wrote

Jay Honeck · Guest

Rob Perkins · Guest

On Fri, 28 Nov 2003 23:00:36 GMT, "Jay Honeck"
<jjhoneckNOSPAM (AT) mchsi (DOT) com> wrote:

Matthew P. Cummings · Guest

On Fri, 28 Nov 2003 23:29:35 +0000, Rob Perkins wrote:

Koopas Ly · Guest

[email]part86 (AT) aol (DOT) com[/email] (Part86) wrote in message news:<20031128171255.08118.00000761 (AT) mb-m03 (DOT) aol.com>...

tony roberts · Guest

BTIZ · Guest

that's for the sport pilot or recreational rating.. not private..

BT

"Rob Perkins" <rob_perkins (AT) hotmail (DOT) com> wrote

JSF · Guest

Actually the airlines have quite a number of alcoholic piltos...American
sent their problem drinkers to Hazleton Minnesota to a treatment center for
years and may still do so...
As to what this aspiring pilot can expect a lot depends on the timing of
the DUI's...If it's been a number of years ago that would work in his
favor...If it was 2 episodes close together at age 21 (or before) and he's
been sober since, that would be favorable togetting a medical
certificate....He should go the medical aviation examiner, complete the form
and DON'T LIE ! The examiner will take all the data and likely defer the
issuance to the FAA.
They will review it - it would expedite their handling of it if he has a
consulatation report from a alcohol/drug abuse counselor showing his
temperance and also participation in a 12 step or other "after-care"
program. If however there are ongoing issues, it would be more of a problem
in getting a medical certificate!
Anyone with a medical who gets convicted of DUI must notify the FAA as
well.
As for jobs - yes, the airlines and others are choosing from pools of
applicants...any blemish makes it more difficult...but entry level jobs-
cargo dogs, flight instructors, smaller corporate flight departments are
more commonly filled by personal recommendations and frequently
who-do-you-know and how well do they know you...so starting small, busting
your hump and staying sober will go a long way....eventaually as he has
hours and experience time will have passed... and his driving record may
have been cleanesed...can be done in some states after a period of
years...or governor's clemency (read political donation!) ...anyway, the
airlines generally only ask if you've had a DUI in the past X number of
years..generally 5 - 10...some sin committed in his youth and not repeated
in past 5 - 10 years may not be considered real relevant.
I know of someone who had 3 DUI's in his youth - saw the light, and now is
a first officer for a major carrier...it can happen - but it isn't easy!!
"tony roberts" <nospam (AT) nowhere (DOT) ca> wrote

S. Ramirez · Guest

"Richard Hertz" <ipfreely (AT) philmccrackin (DOT) com> wrote

Part86 · Guest

Part86 · Guest

Montblack · Guest

("S. Ramirez" wrote)

Craig Prouse · Guest

"Part86" wrote:

Barry · Guest

Anyone applying for a medical certificate from the FAA who has a history of
DUI's will have to disclose and comply with the following FAA Guidelines
(see below). Even though it wouldn't seem so, according to the FAA, having
2 DUI's is a history of potential abuse (they don't take DUI's lightly). I
have seen a couple of aspiring airmen overcome this hurdle. The FAA will
have you get an assessment as per the the attached FAA check list and have
the physician, psychologist or licensed drug/alcohol counselor send the
report to the FAA for review and final decision. A young man in your exact
same situation (couple of DUI's while a student at a party college) recently
got his FAA 2nd Class medical after undergoing the required assessment and
is now taking lessons. Go ahead and apply, it'll just take a while to go
through the paperwork. Good luck. Tailwinds.
____________ SNIP ________________

GUIDELINES FOR INITIAL ASSESSMENT OF AIRMEN WTH HISTORY OF MISUSE OF DRUGS
OR ALCOHOL

When the presence of a drug or alcohol problem is in question in an
applicant for airman medical certification, it is the responsibility of the
Office of Aviation Medicine to determine whether a history of substance
abuse or dependence does exist; and if it does, whether there is
satisfactory evidence of recovery.

If it is determined that a problem does exist, the Federal Aviation
administration requires that the applicant submit an evaluation by a
professional who has had special training in diagnosis and/or treatment of
addiction. This would include certified substance abuse counselors,
psychologists or psychiatrists, other physicians with special training in
addictive disorders, and members of ASAM (American Society of Addiction
Medicine).

The report should contain adequate information to determine whether a
problem exists, including significant negatives. This should include, though
not necessarily be restricted to the following information that may be
related to substance misuse.

PERSONAL:
Anxiety, depression, insomnia
Suicidal thoughts or attempts
Personality changes (argumentative, combative)
Loss of self esteem
Isolation

SOCIAL:
Family problems
Separation
Divorce
Irresponsibility
Abuse, Child/Spousal

LEGAL:
Alcohol-related traffic offenses
Public intoxication
Assault and battery

OCCUPATIONAL:
Absenteeism or tardiness at work
Reduced productivity
Demotions
Frequent job changes
Loss of job

MEDICAL:
Blackouts
Memory problems
Stomach, liver or cardiovascular problems
Sexual dysfunction

ECONOMIC:
Frequent financial crises
Bankruptcy
Loss of home
Lack of credit

INTERPERSONAL ADVERSE AFFECTS:
Separation from family, friends, associates, etc.

ADDITIONAL FACTORS:
Tolerance
Withdrawal
Loss of control
Preoccupation with use
Continued use despite consequences

When appropriate, specific information about the quality of recovery should
be provided, including the period of total abstinence. Summary, appraisal,
etc., with final diagnoses in accordance with standard nomenclature is of
particular significance.

Further information may be required, including treatment and traffic
records, psychological testing, as well as other medical and laboratory
records (random drug testing, liver profile, etc.). It may be appropriate
for the evaluator to interview or contact a significant other in the process
of this evaluation.