Academic Misconduct

Airline Pilot Questions & Answers
1

Hey guys,

I was just curious on how deep the background checks go. Unfortunately ten years ago, when I was 19, I cheated on a quiz in college and received disciplinary probation from it. It was a stupid mistake and I have definitely matured from the situation. I was wondering if this incident would show up on a background check? Will it prevent me from flying for a major?

Thanks,
Adam Naismith

2

Adam,

Thinking if they ask for your college transcripts you’ve got a problem. Some airlines do, some don’t but it would be frowned upon. There’s an old saying at the airlines, the only way to get fired is if you lie, cheat or steal.

Adam

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3

Thanks Adam,

I looked more into the situation and realize that the disciplinary probation does not show up on the transcript, but if an employer wants to dig further and contact the university for an educational background check the university is obliged to release the information. Have you heard of any instance when an airline has dug that far deep into a student’s educational history?

Thanks

4

No never, unless there’s a history of other bad behavior. Then they might get the shovels out.

Adam

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5

Adam,

I don’t think an airline would ever look past your college transcript. Just remember that if they ever ask any questions about such things, whether on the application or in person, to be honest, explain what happened and how you have learned from it.

Everybody makes mistakes and the airlines understand that. What is important is to learn from those mistakes and not repeat them.

Chris

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