Airline Career - Teen Drinking and Driving 0.03 BAC

Posted by aviatortrevor@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 29 comments

Hey guys, I met a young fellow today who was interested in a career in flying. He had just taken his 1st flying lesson and was excited to ask me all sorts of career questions. He revealed to me that when he was underage, he drank and drive a car and got pulled over. His BAC was like 0.03 (very low), but because of how the law applies to people under age, he was given a criminal citation. I forgot how he labeled it, but he said it "wasn't a DUI." Someone here could correct me or tell me what the official title is for such a violation. I'm trying to think back to my interview process for the airline I'm at now, and whether they simply asked me if I had any DUIs, or if I had criminal offences, etc. I can't remember. Obviously if they simply asked if this guy had any DUIs the answer would be "no", but I'm curious if this would come up in an interview or in a background check and if ya'll think this would be an issue for him in like 3-4 years from now when he's applying to jobs? My thinking is this is easy to explain. "I was young and dumb. I'm more mature and responsible now. I take flying and risk management seriously. I take care of myself and I take my responsibilities as a pilot very seriously. I want nothing more than to be seen as a serious professional in this field." Do you agree it's a non-issue?

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AutoModerator@reddit

Hi, I'm a bot and it looks like you're asking a question about medical issues: DUI.. 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](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/amelocator/) may be able to provide a consultation. Other places that may provide aeromedical advice include: [AOPA](https://www.aopa.org/go-fly/medical-resources), [EAA](https://www.eaa.org/eaa/pilots/pilot-resources/pilot-medical-resources/eaa-aeromedical-advisory-program), [the Mayo Clinic](https://clearapproach.mayoclinic.org/), and [Aviation Medicine Advisory Service](https://www.aviationmedicine.com/). For reference, [here is a link to the FAA's Synopsis of Medical Standards](https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/aam/ame/guide/standards/) and for more in-depth information [here is a link to the FAA's Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners](https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/aam/ame/guide/). Also, feel free to browse [our collection of past medical write-ups and questions in our FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/flying/wiki/index). 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](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1001) and that people [have been successfully prosecuted for it](https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndca/pr/california-aviator-convicted-making-false-statements). 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](/message/compose/?to=/r/flying) if you have any questions or concerns.*

29 Comments

nyc2pit@reddit

If he was a minor at the time, is there a pathway to get that expunged?

Rough-Aioli-9622@reddit

Either way he needs to get a 1st class ASAP

opsecthrowaway2016@reddit

Negative, he needs to take his time and get consultation from an experienced HIMS AME who can tell him ahead of time what requirements he would need to meet if any. The medical is like a checkride, 0 point in sticking your neck out until you know you will pass. It is much easier to get it right than try and fight a deferral/denial on the FAA's clock.

Why-R-People-So-Dumb@reddit

He also may want to get a consultation from an aviation attorney before that. If it was literally just a moving violation I see no reason that should every even be mentioned on a medxpress form; moving violations are not criminal offenses.

8500-8 (medxpress) question 18(v): >History of (1) any conviction(s) involving driving while intoxicated by, while impaired by, or while under the influence of alcohol or a drug; or (2) history of any conviction(s) or administrative action(s) involving an offense(s) which resulted in the denial, suspension, cancellation, or revocation of driving privileges or which resulted in attendance at an educational or a rehabilitation program. An attorney + experienced AME would be able to answer whether or not (1) applies in this specific situation based off of details that aren't available in this post.

Yeah the word “conviction” may be the key but like you said we only know what OP told us.

iPullCAPS@reddit

Nonono do NOT rush this…

WingmanMed@reddit

[Flying as a Pilot after a DUI](https://www.flyingmag.com/flying-as-a-pilot-after-a-dui/)

Silly-Ad5211@reddit

Flying mag has a great article regarding this exact situation. https://www.flyingmag.com/flying-as-a-pilot-after-a-dui/ It’s a great read on this whole subject!

Mispelled-This@reddit

Have him do a consult with a HIMS AME, who should know (or be able to quickly find) the exact rules on this. I think they’ll be able to issue if it was at least 5 years ago, but don’t actually do MedXpress until he gets that directly from the person who will actually be doing the exam. The airlines won’t care as long as he shows up with a medical in hand, and that’s years away anyway.

Tendie_Warrior@reddit

Don’t forget clear of any international travel limits. Depending on the situation Canada can be quite strict with entry, even in situations where a juvenile record was involved.

Nearly_Pointless@reddit

If he was under 18, he might see if those records can be expunged. If he went this route before applying for a medical, it is feasible that it doesn’t exist. I’m not an attorney and I’m guessing out loud. Young man needs to explore how if he qualifies for an expungement and to see if that may allow him to not disclose the citation.

tastytwisties@reddit

You are required by federal law to answer YES to any incident like this, expunged or not. Even IF you sneak by the FAA, a background check from any airline will see you booted immediately for lying.

degaknights@reddit

I don’t remember the exact wording but I believe an expungement may still need to be disclosed

onewordbandit@reddit

"Asking for a friend" vibes

Ok-Bike6736@reddit

Gets cleared off record if he was under 18 atleast in canada

crimsonkilla404@reddit

He needs to declare it with his FAA medical examiner. Also, he needs to find a HIMS relevant AME, not saying he needs HIMS but one well versed in this area will help. One time incidents the AME's have their discretion to call it a one off event with under a .15 BAC DUI and no need for extra paperwork with the FAA.

s2k_guy@reddit

I had a friend who had the same thing happen, he got charged with minor in possession. It’s the lowest level charge and a delinquency charge so it went away when he became of age. Not a lawyer and all states are different.

PM_ME_YOUR_PITOTTUBE@reddit

Yeah, I mean technically it's an underage drinking crime and not a driving while intoxicated drive. They were still under the (otherwise) legal limit of alcohol for the standard DUI crime, however underage drinking may prescribe a different amount and may count depending on the state's statute.

notbernie2020@reddit

He has to get a first class medical.

Affectionate-Task603@reddit

Im in a similar situation, got a DUI at 19 yrs old.blew .06 BAC. Obvi would not have gotten the charge had I been 21, anyways this has delayed getting my medical for 2 years at least. Got FAA evaluated, passed and labeled not an addict, was just a dumb kid...and I still got 2 years of full time alcohol monotiring, I'm just over a year in. Now my situation I had to disclose it if asked, but he may slip through the cracks, I know they ask specifically about arrests, and he wasn't arrested, but it is an alcohol related offense, so I am not totally sure. It could be dicey, and being a "citation" might not come up in a federal bakcground check, might only show at the county level, dunno for sure. Might be worth it it to have your own background check done,.

BrianBash@reddit

Keep your head up bud. Fellow DUI offender here. 20 years ago. You got you’re medical, that’s the hardest part. Get it expunged when you can. You’ll still have to have it on your medical as “Previously reported, no change” but the case will be dismissed instead of a conviction. I’m not sure how it works in 135 or 121 land, but I’m the happy owner of a flight school and CFII at said school. If anyone asked I would just say “Yeah, young and dumb. Learned from that major mistake and haven’t had any issues since.”

Thanks for this, some people love to take the high road of " im not letting anyone fly me if theyve ever had a DUI, period.". Get fucked, shit happens when youre young and well before you decided to pursue flying, and it shouldnt be the deciding factor of hiring on if it comes up. Good to hear of your story that it hasnt stopped you. Because gosh this process can be discouraging sometimes.

Yeah just get through the monitoring period and you’ll be all good. Alcohol sucks anyways, I’ve got no use for it and drunk people annoy me. I’m a good hang. My previous career was touring with musical artists as a sound guy/production manager. The most important thing was being a good hang. That will take you far in life no matter the circumstance. Good luck! 👍🏻

Absolutely. I tell that to my apprentices, sucks to suck, just be cool will get you far. But yea im hoping once these 2 years of monotoring are done, then im free and clear 100%. Not starting lessons until medical is in hand.

Airline Career - Teen Drinking and Driving 0.03 BAC

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29 Comments

nyc2pit@reddit

Rough-Aioli-9622@reddit

opsecthrowaway2016@reddit

Why-R-People-So-Dumb@reddit

opsecthrowaway2016@reddit

Why-R-People-So-Dumb@reddit

iPullCAPS@reddit

WingmanMed@reddit

Silly-Ad5211@reddit

Mispelled-This@reddit

Tendie_Warrior@reddit

Nearly_Pointless@reddit

tastytwisties@reddit

degaknights@reddit

onewordbandit@reddit

Ok-Bike6736@reddit

crimsonkilla404@reddit

s2k_guy@reddit

PM_ME_YOUR_PITOTTUBE@reddit

notbernie2020@reddit

Affectionate-Task603@reddit

BrianBash@reddit

Affectionate-Task603@reddit

BrianBash@reddit

Affectionate-Task603@reddit

casualdogiscasual@reddit

Pintail21@reddit

subarupilot@reddit

AutoModerator@reddit