Comments on: If you’ve been caught for a DUI, does that completely disqualify you from becoming a pilot?

By: adam a

adam a — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 23:21:38 +0000

I got a dui when I was 16, and reported it when I got my medical for my pilots license a few years ago when I was 20. Unfortunately, I got another one right after I got my pilots license, and haven’t heard anything from the faa. Its been 2 years since.

By: rhsaunders

rhsaunders — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 22:49:24 +0000

No, but if you are applying for a certificate of any kind, you must report it.

By: Obelix

Obelix — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 22:38:45 +0000

First of all, there is a ton of misinformation about this sort of thing. Don’t listen to what the people before said! They are talking about what they think the rules might be and not what they know the rules to be. If you got a PBJ, then not only will it not disqualify you, but you do NOT even have to report it. That’s because it is not a conviction (hence probation BEFORE judgement). However, if your driver’s license was suspended as a result of your PBJ (which it likely was) then you probably will have to report that. Also if you refused to take the breathalyzer, you might also have to report that on the medical certificate. But neither of those situations should prevent you from being able to get a pilot’s license, they’ll just put a little black spot on your FAA record and might become a problem if you have any more legal troubles in the future.
But anyway don’t listen to me or anyone else on here, I strongly suggest that you read parts 61.14, 61.15, and 61.16 of the FAA Federal Aviation Regulations (you can find them on the FAA website) and that before you go to the medical examiner to get your medical certificate you join AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) and get their Legal Plan (which every pilot should do anyway), which allows you to speak to an aviation lawyer free of charge. You can discuss your situation with them and they will advise you on how to proceed and what your legal obligations are. Be careful with what you tell the medical examiner and the FAA, and when you speak to an aviation attorney be very very specific about your situation, when it comes to legal matters the smallest details are very important. Good luck and don’t get anymore DUI’s, take care
-E

By: pa28_180flyer

pa28_180flyer — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 21:43:43 +0000

The answere in short is NO! However you must report it on your medical application when you go for a FAA medical certificate. Having one several years ago is NOT disqualifing, having two or three, forget about it. If it has not been in the last 2 years, it is a NON ISSUE! BUT REPORT IT!!! DO not lie on your medical application, they WILL check the National Driver Data Base!
It is a FELONY to to lie on it.
Next, consider to become a Commercial Pilot.(getting paid) According to the regs you must be of “good moral character”. With your PJC, I dont believe this will be a problem.
Getting a paying job……unless you have a rich uncle that wants to pay your to fly him around in his ciation, You are probably out of luck with a DUI on your record.
The good news is you can fly for fun/recreation, angle flight, etc.
If you want to fly for a hobby, GO FOR IT!!

By: squiggy_squigtones

squiggy_squigtones — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 21:32:24 +0000

The previous posts are correct. Be careful AFTER you get your license, too. Even if you’re just staying with a Private Pilot rating, the FAA has pulled a pilot’s license in the past for multiple moving violations. Their thinking seems to be that if a person is unsafe on the road, than they’re probably unsafe in the air.

Unfortunately, experience has shown that this is usually the case.

“There are old pilots and there are bold pilots. There are very few old, bold pilots.”

By: milehighaviator

milehighaviator — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 21:06:01 +0000

The aviation industry is already a very competitive industry and a speeding ticket is look down on, nonetheless a DUI. It does not disqualify you but you better be prepared to answer some tough questions in an interview about the effect of the DUI on your life and what you brought away from the unfortunate experience.

By: hsupilot08

hsupilot08 — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 20:36:52 +0000

It’s not a disqualification to become a pilot but it will probably be incredibly hard to get a job with a reputable airline someday.