Non U.S. Citizen background check

[chrisdahut24]

Hey all

Just wondering if anyone knows what the background check involves before getting hired at an airline these days? I've heard all sorts of rumours, and can't seem to find any detailed information on the net. The latest one is that you have to wait 45 days before starting training, and then you have to be "grounded" every 6 months to do a background check, AGAIN!!, which can last two weeks! This all sounds just a tad absurd, but certainly wouldn't surprise me. However, what concerns me more is: are the regionals hiring non U.S. citizens (greencard holders/permanent residents) due to the hassle and obvious cost involved with these "security" procedures? Obviously any HR person I talk to is going to tell me "sure, we don't discriminate!" for fear of being slapped with a big lawsuit. But of course they could always fail you on some portion of the interview if they wanted to. Anyone know of any permanent residents who have been hired recently at any regional? Anyone have first hand knowledge of whats involved with the security checks? Please only answer if you know for sure or are reasonably sure of the answer....I appreciate getting peoples opinions, but I need hard facts on this issue.


Thanks in advance!

 

[chrisdahut24]

back to the top

Anyone?

 

[Hawker rider]

Well idon't know about any 121 airlines, but I know how it works at our 135 operation (about 40 jets)

We have a few foreigners in our company, and a few months ago there was this big fingerprinting and background check thing that had to be done all off the sudden. That was EVERY pilot, also US citizens. Then before a checkride there has to be another smaller FBI background check, and you just have to sign a release of information form, so they can check your records.

The latter one is absolutely not a big deal, as so far it has always been done in a few days, and since you have 3 months to complete a checkride there is plenty of time to get that done without having to be pulled offline.
After all, it will only become a problem if there is anything in your past that you did, that might not pass a background check......

I can see that a big airline will stay away from foreigners, but so far it is the same for foreigners as it is for citizens. (offcourse not the 12.500lbs upgrade thingie,,but I think that has been lifted already...)

M

 

[chrisdahut24]

Thanks a lot Hawker! I figured the process might be something more like that. That info. was very much appreciated, and puts me a little more at ease.

 

[nosewheel]

chrisdahut24

There is a program by the Dept of Justice called FTCCP which means Flight Training Candidates Checks Program. Any Non US Citizens who want to flight train or seek employment as a crewmember must go through this process. The only way to receive what they call Expedited Processing (which can take afew days to a week) is if you are presently current and qualified on an aircraft over 12,500 lbs., you are presently employed by a US Carrier or you are Police or Military. I just went through the process but I was able to maintain my currency(B-727/121) by sheer luck and if I had not been current I would not have a job right now. Its very complicated and the changes in the system are on-going within the DOJ. Its too complicated to explain all to you on this post so I will(when I find it ) post an e-mail address for the DOJ website so you can look for yourself. Good Luck.

OK try these two sites; http://www.aopa.org/whatsnew/regulatory/foreign_student.html
http://www.intl.faa.gov/28cfr105.pdf
or just go to The Dept of Justice site and look up the FTCCP