Passed my pilot test, now the application...
Posted by Key-Cheek-9015@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 14 comments
The good ol' Drug Conviction - Block N question on the UAG 107a application.
I looked around a bit and didn't see my specific case, so looking for some advice.
I just passed my 107a cert test and am at that point. The thing is... I don't remember if there was any conviction. This was 26 years ago and in FL. I was down there for work and got arrested for possession of marijuana. I believe it was a misdemeanor charge, but aside for having to spend much of the weekend in jail because of it, I don't remember the end result. I tried to look it up online and over the phone, but can't find anything.
Should I check the box yes, and explain that I'm unsure how the charges ended up, or check the box no and explain the same thing? I don't want to lie, but I just don't know what to do here.
Key-Cheek-9015@reddit (OP)
UPDATE:
I just received the court documents from Palm Beach clerk, and pretty timely if I must say so myself. It took less than a week to get the court docs, and turns out that the case adjudicaiton was witheld. That means I can officially check "no" for ever being convicted and be done with it.
This brought up some pretty dark memories of the entire incident. The arresting officers and myself did not have a cordial interaction and they wanted to charge me with intent to distribute (a felony!) for having around 50 dollars worth of marijuana on me. My public defender was irate at the entire process and told me she could likely have had it tossed due to the officers' misconduct had I been willing to go to court. Unfortunately, I lived in NY and didn't have the means to fight it. I was still a teenager at the time and taking care of myself.
Thanks for everyone's advice. Glad I waited to have it confirmed.
TxAggieMike@reddit
To get specific details…
… contact the jurisdiction where the arrest happened. If yes to arrest, then perhaps the court clerk is the next phone call.
… you can request a copy of records that the FBI has on you. Sometimes these local/county items are copied to the FBI and their more central database.
Key-Cheek-9015@reddit (OP)
No one has been able to find anything or give me any useful info to this point. When reaching out to the county clerk, they had no records. They connected me to their records dept, who then told me I have to email in order to inquire. I did so with no response as of yet.
I suppose my next step would be the FBI rap sheet check. Was trying to avoid that process if possible because I'm not sure if it will even show up there, but may be unavoidable.
I'm trying to get my 107a cert as soon as possible, as my startup is waiting on it to do things legitimately. I crammed for the exam, scored great on it, and have everything in place to get moving. I didn't anticipate a question on the application to be this kind of hold up.
INCOMING RANT:
This "Block N" question seems asinine. If my charge was 26 years ago and is now a hassle to find, this only drags the process out and creates a situation where anything less than truthful responses may be given. I know the FAA won't let you obtain a cert if you're within a year of a conviction, so in my humble and meaningless opinion, something such as "...in the last 5 years" would be much more relevant than a general "have you EVER" question.
TxAggieMike@reddit
Getting (and then archiving) this information now can be useful if ever you’re going to apply for a pilot job that does a deep background check.
Many applications ask about arrest/conviction history.
Knowing what is there to be found is way better than having a prospective employer find it for you.
Key-Cheek-9015@reddit (OP)
The crazy thing is...
I've had multiple BG checks. I've had checks done for jobs that I was working on that required clearances and have worked for multiple federal entities. I don't recall any of them asking this particular question and the manner in which it was asked. It's been a while, but most of the time the only question about convictions pertains to felonies if I'm remembering correctly.
Is what it is I suppose.
I'll wait for a week or 2 to hear back from Palm Beach and take it from there. Will just have to focus on other things until then.
zangler@reddit
Do the research before you check yes! It's not hard and you can purchase the record.
Key-Cheek-9015@reddit (OP)
It seems to be harder than a simple web search, phone call, or email...somehow. It's making being honest a real PITA right now.
zangler@reddit
You may need to engage an attorney in that jurisdiction. Also, do a search using free law project and just see if the case comes up at all. An attorney for this sort of targeted work isn't free, but it won't really be expensive is likely worth it given the potential of lost future income.
Key-Cheek-9015@reddit (OP)
Free law project was no help. I'm going to have to wait a week or 2 for the results from the Palm Beach clerk to have any useful information. I'm not hiring an attorney for this strictly on principle.
If I don't get any useful info from the clerk, I'm going to fill out the form the best I can and be done with this idiocy. I've had background checks for things ranging from guns to secure access. Legally flying a drone (when i already do so recreationally with my TRUST cert) should not be this difficult.
DataGOGO@reddit
I would hold off on filling out the form until you are sure.
Contact the city / county you were arrested in, ask about getting a copy of your case records.
StillAnxious2493@reddit
check yes, add notes. faa hates surprises more than old weed charges
Key-Cheek-9015@reddit (OP)
Was leaning that way, but didn't want to admit to something that might not be the case on a federal form. I tend to overthink everything, so thanks for the blunt advice (no pun inteded).
rFlyingTower@reddit
This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:
The good ol' Drug Conviction - Block N question on the UAG 107a application.
I looked around a bit and didn't see my specific case, so looking for some advice.
I just passed my 107a cert test and am at that point. The thing is... I don't remember if there was any conviction. This was 26 years ago and in FL. I was down there for work and got arrested for possession of marijuana. I believe it was a misdemeanor charge, but aside for having to spend much of the weekend in jail because of it, I don't remember the end result. I tried to look it up online and over the phone, but can't find anything.
Should I check the box yes, and explain that I'm unsure how the charges ended up, or check the box no and explain the same thing? I don't want to lie, but I just don't know what to do here.
Please downvote this comment until it collapses.
Questions about this comment? Please see this wiki post before contacting the mods.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. If you have any questions, please contact the mods of this subreddit.
AutoModerator@reddit
Hi, I'm a bot and it looks like you're asking a question about medical issues: Drug .
Medicals can be confusing and even scary, we get it. Unfortunately, the medical process is very complex with many variables. It's too complex, in fact, for any of us to be able to offer you any specific help or advice.
We strongly suggest you discuss your concerns with a qualified aviation medical examiner before you actually submit to an official examination, as a hiccup in your medical process can close doors for you in the future. Your local AME may be able to provide a consultation. Other places that may provide aeromedical advice include: AOPA, EAA, the Mayo Clinic, and Aviation Medicine Advisory Service.
For reference, here is a link to the FAA's Synopsis of Medical Standards and for more in-depth information here is a link to the FAA's Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners.
Also, feel free to browse our collection of past medical write-ups and questions in our FAQ.
Finally, we suggest you read the instructions on the medical application very closely. Do not volunteer information that isn't asked for, but also do not lie. Some people may urge you to omit pertinent information, or even outright lie, on your medical application in order to avoid added hassle and expense in obtaining a medical certificate. Know that making false statements on your medical application is a federal crime and that people have been successfully prosecuted for it. But for heaven's sake, don't tell the FAA any more than you absolutely have to.
If you're not in the United States, the above advice is still generally correct. Just substitute the FAA with your local aviation authority.
Good luck!
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.