Hello pilots and thanks for taking the time to read this and offer guidance.
I was once a boy whose dad was in the air force, dreaming of becoming a pilot.
Then, one dark and dreadful day when i was 16, my best friend and i were being immature and stupid, handling and unknowingly loaded firearm. The results were catastrophic. He passed away and i served a decade of incarceration. I have been out and living my best life so far for six years now and have had no law or traffic related issues since. I live a good life.
I still want to fly for a living, Specifically in forest fire aviation, i have a passion for firefighting as it also runs in the family. I don’t presume id ever make it into a proper commercial transport pilot position and honestly, i just love the forest fire fighters and what they do.
Im here looking for some advice about whether or not my one conviction will bar me from achieving this goal. Thanks for listening and hearing my story.
Nicholas,
I honestly have no idea on this one. Id would contact the Forestry Service (or applicable department) and ask them directly.
Adam
It’s a tough one, i know. I applied for a class 2 medical, i disclosed the conviction and the nature of the event and am hoping that since its been 15 years since it happened, i can pass it.
From my understanding (by reading through threads on this forum) that should be the toughest part. I have a consultation with a forestry recruiter scheduled for 9/1
I appreciate your response:)
Nicholas,
I know very little about this sector of aviation, but I do know of someone that flies for Cal Fire (or whoever Cal Fire uses) now. They spent 3-4 years at a regional before getting hired.
When you are speaking with any potential future employers ask them what their hiring qualifications are. I would also ask what kind of experience a typical applicant has as well. I would guess that most applicants have more experience than what is advertised as the minimum qualification. If so, you may also want to speak with some regional airlines to get their take. With that said, that will require you to maintain a 1st Class Medical.
Tory
Nicholas,
You are correct in that you have zero chance of ever working for an airline. As for the Forest Service, I will let them speak for themselves, but I highly doubt it.
Chris