Employment with a violation

[regionaljoe]

I'm new to this board so please go easy on me! Twelve years ago as a stupid 20 year old I was buzzing a friends house and clipped a powerline. I landed safely, and got tagged with a 60-day suspension and an aircraft accident. Yes, I know it was very stupid. Yes, I know I was very lucky. I've spent every waking moment of every day since wondering if my job-hunting is for not. I'm now a turboprop captain at a regional. I went on to finish my college degree, become a checkairman and have lead a model life for the last twelve years. Here's the deal. All my friends are now moving on to good jobs at good companies like SWA, Airtran, Jetblue, etc. I've been pounding the pavement just as hard, and have the same contacts, but I'm just not getting called. I'd like to hear from people in the know as to what my chances are of getting a job at a good major or national carrier. Please, no flame. If my dream is dead I'm thinking of leaving aviation. To do what, I don't know, but if I have to put on the happy "congratulations" face for another buddy who made it, well...I don't think I can keep doing it. Sorry to dump on everyone, but I would really appreciate any info.
Cheers

 

[ATRCAPT]

"Hey Joe", Sorry, couldn't resist a knod to Jimi....

Anyway, it looks to me like you've come a long way. I say keep plugging away at it. I know guys at majors with DUI's on their records! Be ready to talk about it at an interview, and for God's sake be honest! Don't hide it! Personally, I think it's all who you know. If you know the right person you could be an axe murderer and get on at a good company. Good luck.

 

[Boomer1]

We all do stupid things!! Sounds like a good interview story. Best of Luck, I think you'll be fine!

 

[WhiteCloud]

Lots of folks are not getting called for better jobs right now. Only bring up the subject when asked and then be very forthcoming and honest. A hint of evasiveness could cost you the job.

 

[Creamer]

Turn your incident into a great learning story (a positive). Tell people how that incident has made you appreciate and want to follow the rules as evidenced by your record since then. Don't skirt around the issue as the interviewer will think you are trying to hide something. They will find out through the FAA background check.

I had a taxi incident 6 years ago while I was instructing a new aircraft commander in the military. I accepted full responsibility and then went on to tell the interviewers how I became much more situationally aware and have transfered that attitude to future students. I backed it up with facts about how I later became the chief check pilot (stan/eval in the military) in another squadron that flys much larger aircraft. I showed them that I could learn from my mistake and my results prove it.

Flying is the best job there is period! Don't give it up. Best of luck to you.

 

[chase]

RegionalJoe,

All of the above is great information & advice...certainly Southwest interviews & hires many folks with minor & major blemishes on their records. If you have a 737 type then your chances are improved at getting hired but there are still many in the pool with types to get the call...you didn't mention if you had one or not. The other airlines you mentioned are great also.

Your progression sounds good & will do you well when you get the call & interview....if you have done everything you can at the turboprop level, CA & check airman....consider now moving to the jet side if that is possible & works for your family...moving up that progression ladder may seem like a big step but if seniority allows it make the move after a good amount of PIC time & show to any future employer you are willing to continue up the progression path to more complex aircraft....keep updating, commute on the carriers you wish to work with to meet more folks & develop more experience with your "future employer" & you never know who you might meet!!! Good luck to ya!