To start I’m 27 and have disclosed all of my history to the FAA and AME, went through a battery of HIMS testing and was awarded my first class medical. Knowing my past would probably hold me back, and try as I might I can’t get a straight answer from anyone in charge of hiring. The just of what I get is that “nobody has heard of anyone with my or simular legal record flying for an airline” or we can’t discuss our hiring methods or if that would preclude me from the hiring pool. In May of 2019 I was convicted of 1 use of marijuana/1 use of lsd from 2017. I know it confuses me too. Who can I talk to that will give me a straight answer, this has been my dream since I was 8 and nobody has told me no so I have to keep pushing there’s no way I’m going to give up for fear of failure, but I’ve prayed for guidance and I’ve asked everyone I can think to get a hold of and it’s all so vague. Any info would be greatly appreciated
Very respectfully
Michael,
Nobody can give you a “straight answer” as there is no simple answer.
What I can say (as a pilot who’s been on interview panels), just from reading your post I’ve got interview issues. When you say a “battery of HIMS testing” that implies you feel it was excessive. Newsflash, the FAA and the airlines don’t like people who do illegal drugs. Further, back in the day you’d be done, period, end of story. The FAA has decided to give you a shot which is pretty generous of them and you should appreciate that. If you don’t think so, well that’s a problem.
Second, I don’t want to here this “its been my dream since I was 8” nonsense. I either have to call BS or, if it’s true, think you’re really dumb to think doing drugs would help you on your path? Either isn’t a good look. Just some things to consider IF you ever get an interview.
As for will you get one? That’s really up to you. YOU’RE the one who put the BIG RED FLAG on your application. It’s therfore also up to you to give a perspective airline a reason to overlook it. What I’m saying is IF you’re squeaky clean (and remain so, I’m talking not even a traffic ticket) and IF you do well in training (no busts) and IF you maybe have a 4yr degree (with a strong GPA) and IF you can get some strong letters of rec from the school you instruct at, maybe the DE there etc, then yes I believe you’ve got a shot. But if you’re asking, solely based on your 2 convictions and nothing else, I’d be pretty vague too.
Adam
Thank you for your feedback Adam. I recognize that conveying tone through written text can be challenging. To clarify, I don’t believe I was treated unfairly by the FAA during their testing process. Rather, I underwent and was in fact eager for a thorough evaluation by various specialists to determine my fitness for pursuing a career in aviation. I fully acknowledge the negative impact of my past choices, and I understand that their consequences will persist. As I move forward, I am committed to demonstrating my work ethic and moral character to potential employers. When given an opportunity, I wholeheartedly invest in my work, knowing that I must prove myself through diligent effort.
My apologies for the miscommunication and thank you again for your feedback. Any further advice or resources that may help are greatly appreciated
Michael,
Nobody is going to give you a simple yes or no answer, for two reasons.
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So much depends on your other record, the hiring situation at the time, the company you are applying for, etc. At the height of the pilot shortage, you might have gotten through okay. Things are tightening up now and airlines are again applying more scrutiny to their applicants.
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Even if the answer is a hard no, nobody is going to tell you that as every company is afraid of being sued for discrimination. What I can tell you is that the airlines really do not like drug abuse. You might be able to talk your way out of a marijuana conviction, but I think that the LSD use really takes this up a major notch.
I am less optimistic than Adam, I think being told “nobody has heard of anyone with my or similar legal record flying for an airline” is a very telling statement and one that I would agree with.
Chris
Michael,
Both Chris and Adam really “hit the nail on the head” so to speak. You won’t ever get a straight answer because it depends! You can either bet on yourself and do everything you can to have the strongest application you can to outweigh the red flag… or give up and never try!
Option A, you could have a perfect flight training record, a bachelors degree and lots of great letters of recommendation and still not be hired by a part 121 airline. Or you could get lucky in another wave of hiring and slide in… it’s anyone’s guess.
The real question is for you… would you be okay flying outside of the part 121 airline world? If you never made it to the airlines, would it still be worth it?
Hannah
Undoubtedly, my first choice would be to pursue a career as an airline pilot. However, after engaging with several flight schools in the area, I’ve noticed that they are less hesitant about my unique circumstances. To be candid, it’s the experience of being in the air and the scientific principles underlying flight that initially sparked my interest in aviation. I have seen that the background check for airlines goes back 10 years, assuming all other variables stay the same and it’s 2029, I would still disclose my full record. But would this being longer than 10 years ago make the offense any more forgivable
Thank you! Any further help or resources are greatly appreciated
The further you can distance yourself from the offenses AND remain clean the better. It makes it easier to believe and demonstrates you’ve changed.
Adam
Michael,
No one’s is similar, everyone’s is different. I recommend continuing to inquire recruitment teams for both the regional and major airlines. Many times we see these backgrounds about “I committed a crime” 10 years ago and while time does help sometimes, the only way to know if you’d be hired is 1) apply and/or 2) inquiry with human resource departments. Also, while I’d love to say that background checks go back to 10-years, they could find out… it’s better to be honest and accept the mistake.
While I haven’t been in the airline industry as long as the other mentors, I trusted their advice years ago when I came into ATP’s program. I believe that this could rise to be a challenge, but with a better portfolio/background since then, your chances may improve?
Brady