I am currently in my early 20’s and recently graduated college. I have a PPL only and wanted some insight. I have come across multiple forums mentioning lower chances of being hired at an airline with a couple of traffic infractions. I would like to start training however wanted some advice or more insight from any pilots or individuals on here.
speeding ticket in 2016
speeding ticket in 2019
2019, Suspension order was issued for a document reaching the dmv late however the order was never active. Although license was never suspended the rescission of the order that never went active shows on record.
No other tickets or DUI/DWI or anything on backgrounds.
Motor vehicle regulations pale in comparison to the FARs (Federal Aviation Regulations). Know what happens when you violate an FAR? Not only do you get in trouble, the airline you’re working for does as well and as you can imagine they don’t like that. That is the reason when you interview they want to see your driving record. Simply put if you’re irresponsible and don’t follow the handful of traffic regs (speeding, stop signs, red lights etc), why should they think you’ll do any better in their airplane?
So it’s really very simple. It’s been 2yrs since your last issue (btw, they will ask has your DL ever been suspended. They won’t want to hear a story about orders, either it was or it wasn’t). If you start training now the soonest you’ll be at an airline is 2yrs. That puts 4-5yrs between you and your record. IF you can manage to keep yourself clean you should be fine. If you can’t and continue to be irresponsible you won’t.
Welcome to the forums. I think you will be fine, but you really need to clean it up and slow down moving forward. By that I mean not a single parking ticket, let alone another speeding ticker.
As for the suspension, you need to be honest and say that it was suspended. Airlines and the FAA do not care about rescissions, expungements, etc. Bottom line is that it happened and you need to own it. The thing is there are plenty of people who do not have these issues at all, so it is best to be on the level with your history.
Maintain a good record and you will be fine. Slow down.
Justin,
As others said, ownership and honestly about the suspension is your only option. Can’t fix it now but you can be ahead of it.
As for the speeding tickets, the driving record the airlines pull can range from 3-7 years of history. Most applicants probably have at least 1. But 2 starts a pattern, 3 would be really bad for you. Now they can assume you haven’t learned and continue to repeat the behavior.
I see your point and as I started flying that has made me a much safer driver as well. My last violation was in 2019 and I have a clean record after that and will keep it that way. I see you mention that they only ask as to yes or no in terms of suspension. I reached out to DMV and was told my license was never suspended and a order was issued due to clerical error that shows on my driving record which will be wiped off after 4 years from 2019. Chris mentions that I have to report a suspension even though one was never issued. I know I am a long way from the airlines but just want to prepare myself for the long term.
Thank you for reaching out and replying to my post. My suspension order was a clerical error and license was never actually suspended. I would still have to report a suspension though? I see your point about transparency but I hope I wouldn’t be harming my chances of being hired by any airline at the same time.
I am not a lawyer, so I will have to refer to you this. You say that a “suspension order was issued”. I suppose I do not understand how that is not a suspended license, but you obviously have more experience with this than I do.
Regarding driving records, haven’t seen this answered here. Does anyone know the best way to obtain a record older than 7 years? I’ve tried calling my state’s driving unit and no luck. Everything has been purged. Where else does it exist? I’m 35 years old and got some speeding tickets between 16-18 years old. Even a suspension at 16 (you’re on probation in my state and 1 ticket is an automatic suspension until 17). Any ideas on how to obtain that? I want to be as honest and accurate as possible but truthfully I’d just be guessing at this point 18 years later. Thanks!
I’m not aware of any way to go back that far nor will the airlines look for it. You can be honest without them. Answer as best you can. If it was that long ago and you’ve remained clean it won’t be an issue.
I am with Adam on this. As long as your record has been clean for a long time, I do not see this being an issue. Just make sure to keep it clean and be honest, to the best of your recollection, about the tickets.
David,
If your 7 year comes out clean and the last one you had was so long ago you can’t even remember the year, I think the recruiters will have no issue.