Worried about my career w/ background

[troy]

I was wondering about my future in aviation as a pilot. I have 2 strikes in my background, as I was in a physical relationship with my now ex-wife. The police of a small town got me on a domestic violence charge (we were both fighting). I know that I made a mistake. When she finaly left me, she turned me in to the ATF because I had some hunting guns in the house. See, no body told me that that was a no-no. The last charge is a felony. I am currently attending a college and majoring in an aviation program. Are there going to be jobs for me to fly someday? How strict are some companies? Any insight would be helpfull.

 

[bobbysamd]

Background

A felony could be harmful to an aviation career. You certainly have to tell the truth on an app, but I'd say a lot might depend on the recency of your conviction. You'll also hear that ignorance of the law is no excuse. Also, the FARs say an ATP applicant must be "of good moral character."

I'd suggest you order copies of all of your public records. Driving records, credit, court records, everything. Many of these records you can order yourself, but a PI might have access to databases you cannot access. Run a background check on yourself and you can find out what others can find out about you.

Best of luck to you.

 

[Boz]

Do the best background check on yourself. By your statements it is going to be a difficult battle, but if you are young and you demonstarte a good character over lets say the next ten years they may not look at it so hard. I have got to be honest thoughl, pre 9-11 it was tough, the airlines hate the DUI's and other reckless behaviour like speeding tickets. Now I know that everyone has exceeded the limits at some time. But to HR depts its a good basis of your character and generally anyone with a history is generally not going to make the cut. You have an uphill battle, but need to exceed the minimal standards, so you can highlight that on your resume and apps you will one day fill out. Good luck to you.

 

[TurboS7]

If you had a history of domestic violence and the court or whoever whatever said that you were to have no firearms at all in the house and you did-you have a problem. Usually in this country hunting guns really are not considered lethal firearms compared to a AK-47 or any type of handgun. I have a hard time seeing how having a shotgun in any dwelling in this country could get you nailed.
As for the domestic violence, it happens more than you can imagine, HR departments are in charge of 40,000 to 50,000 people that is like a small city. The secret is to be open and honest with the RIGHT people. I wouldn't say anything to any FA or even a fellow pilot once you get hired. Most of those type of situations are better not to be talked about. Flight crews thrive on this type of gossip, and believe me you do not want to be the center of that type of attention. I have seen it get so bad in our company that the people just left because the couldn't handle it anymore. It is sad but true and people are the same no matter where you go or where you work. Will it keep you from getting hired, no, but they will chose another guy over you if you are both similarly qualified. WE all dig our place in life, maybe yours will be flying in some other place than a major airline, nothing wrong with that.

 

[RichardFitzwell]

troy,

By the time the economy turns around and you are hunting for an airline job, you might be exactly the type of person the airlines are looking for...you are not afraid to throw a few punches and defend yourself. By then, a gun will probably be accepted as a part of you flight case.

Sorry troy, I couldn't resist.

R.F.



I agree with the previous posts. Chances are slim at best.

 

[AZaviator]

My $2 worth

One thing I might do if I were in your shoes is try getting a non flying job with a regional airline, or a company you'd be interested flying for in the future. For example, say you were interested in flying for Skywest once you had the qualifications. (just an example) Try getting a job there on the ramp, or as a ticket agent while working on your ratings. After getting your ratings, continue to work at Skywest while building up your time as a CFI or however you decide doing it.

By that time you will have a few years of working with the company and will have surely had time to meet some of the pilots and possibly upper management there. With you already being an employee there for a few years, it will allow them to realize you are the kind of person they want to continue working for them, regardless of your background. In return, once you decide to apply with them for a flying position, it would definetly increase your chances of flying there, as you are already an employee with a good company work history there. In addition, chances are you could get a few recommendations from people who already work with you at that company.

This is just a suggestion, as I said, I would definetly look into doing something like this if I were in your shoes.

Best of luck to you and your career.

 

[328dude]

AZ:

I know several people that thought just that only to get burned in the end.
Don't assume that becasue your a rampy or whatever, your chances og getting hired are greater then someone off the street. They aren't

Flame away.

 

[publisher]

Get ahold of AEPS Backgrounds or Quest and have a background check done and see what comes up. Yes this is potentially a career breaker to some extent but a good deal depends on where you go and what you do from here.

There are jobs in aviation that you can still obtain where this check will not be as important if you stay clean from here

 

[B1900DFO]

I very well could be wrong but I believe that the felony involving the guns will disqualify you from flying for an airline. If I was you I would call some different airlines' HR departments and ask to speak to someone who handles background checks. I wouldn't tell them my name but I would be very direct and see what they say. By the way I once met a crop duster who said he made six figures working for 4 months of the year. So if the airline gig doesn't work out there are other ways to make good money flying airplanes. Good luck!

 

[AWACoff]

328dude,
I would guess that those people did not network properly. As a ramper, you have easy access to all the pilots. It doesn't take much to establish a relationship with them. You still have to sell yourself but it can certainly help.

 

[Snakum]

I'm baaaaaack!

I have been where you're at, and I spent MONTHS last year researching a very similar problem. I talked to pilots, Regional and Major HR people, consultants, and owners of 135 and 91 operations. I busted my a$$ trying to understand what my chances were, and to get a feel for where I'd end up if I went ahead with a Comm/CFI. Here's an opinion from someone who lived it, based on everything I found out - which was a considerable amount:

With a felony, barring thousands of pilots dropping dead mysteriously, and even if the flying returns to the most recent glory days, you will never fly for a major airline. I know this sounds harsh, but I want to help, believe it or not. I'm sorry, it will never happen. Period. Not nowadays. No matter how young you are or how much time elapses between now and your interview. It is never going to happen. I know you'll get replies to the contrary but you won't from someone who's been there. Consider this 'tough-love' from a fellow dreamer who has already done the legwork.

Will you fly for a Regional? Based on everything I know - and I repeat, it's alot - probably not. Even if the flying returns to the levels of the last few years pre-9/11 ... I don't think it will happen. You will be competing with squeaky-clean kids with excellent grades, lots of experience, who've never farted in the wrong direction. You have a non-traffic related felony ... it probably ain't gonna happen.

What does that leave? That leaves smaller 135/91 operators in charter and freight. And that's what I finally accepted and set my sights on. No, not Exec Jet or Flight Options ... the little guys. But this also means that you could wind up in the left seat of a Citation Excel, Beechjet, or Lear and fly all over North America. You CAN make a living doing something you love. It will not be easy, but if you want to do it you will make it happen. It's simple ... but it's not easy.

I don't even have a felony, I have two misdemeanors from MANY YEARS ago and a Domestic Trespass charge (BS!) in 1998, but the above even applies to me. I have accepted that, and as soon as I am financially able again I will be back in training. If you really want to fly as bad as I think you do ... you can. But accept the fact now that you will never share a cockpit at Delta or even Coex.

Wish I could say otherwise. Best of luck to you, my friend.

Snakum

 

[dondk]

one to the contrary...

While I do not have a felony, but a misdemeanor from less than 10 years ago. I have flown for 3 different regionals. All without a problem.

It does depend what the charge was, it's final disposition and your behaviour since. A repeat offender, chances are unlikely. A one time screw up with good judgment and character since? You be the judge.

As for Majors, I did know one person with a felony and was flying for a major. With the new regulations regarding the additional 20 offenses for unescorted access to the SIDA I do not know if he still is. I would say that is your bigger worry... I looked up the list of barring offenses and I did not see one regarding firearms but only you will know the specific charge.

I would try like others suggested, try a ground operation at an airline at a airport that requires SIDA access. If you do not get it there, you can basically tell yourself you may not get it in any airline.

As others suggested, there is all the other types of flying other than 121 and they at present do not have the "tighter" requirements.

Regardless, best of luck in your endeavors....

 

[Snakum]

In case I didn't make it clear earlier, I did my research pre-Sept. 11 (Have flown once since due to $$$). So, you can imagine how much more difficult it will be now. I'm concerned about even flying for FUN when the Feds get thru regulating GA to death post 9/11. There are more changes coming ... count on it.

And I would like to remind everyone, I am truly trying to help this guy. If you want specific info message me hear and I'll be glad to help.

Snakum

 

[jsoceanlord]

Sadly, a lot of these arrests are pretty arbitrary. I had a guy doing an annual inspection on my plane in san juan, puerto rico; he'd lost his ramp access because he trespassed on the navy's bombing range in vieques as part of a protest ! The mayor of vieques spent 4 months in prison for the same thing.

I had two misdemeanor's. One was dropped as a first offense and i got what's called a diversion.

George Bush has an arrest for drunk driving.

The practical reality is you at least have to get ramp access.

Of course, if you fly in the third world, maybe they can't check. We've got a mechanic from the dominican republic - i have no idea how they can check his record.

the pro flying dream can easily become a nightmare (politics, etc).

 

[Motiveflow]

Hi guys, I had a student yesterday who "confessed" to a DWI almost ten years ago ... pardon pending.

I couldn't really answer ... any thoughts or personal perspectives would be helpful,

Thanks,

P

 

[bobbysamd]

DWI guy

What's his goal in aviation? A career or just boring holes on weekends?

Depending on the quantity and quality of the applicant pool, he might skate past the DUI, especially if it was ten years ago. However, if jobs are tight and the applicant pool is even more plentiful than it usually is, he will be passed over for most airline jobs in favor of the saints among us.

Tell your student to order all of his public records and in particular his driving record from the National Driver Register. Sorry, I don't know how to order that specific record, except I suspect that the Transportation Department's web site will have a link. Perhaps by now his DUI won't be on his records and he'll have a clean sheet. Just the same, he still has to answer questions on apps about his past honestly. As long as he owns up to it and can prove he has learned from his mistakes, he won't hurt himself.

Hope that helps a little. Best of luck to your student.

 

[Clownpilot]

Theres a problem here

Having hunting guns in your house is not illegal in any state.
Hunting guns generally don't even need a gun permit or a background check to buy. Why? Because nobody ever robs a 7-11 with a 30-30.

So when is it illegal to own a hunting gun? ONLY if you are a convicted felon. That means you must have a felony conviction before the gun charge. There's something missing here.

 

[Motiveflow]

Bobbysand,

Thanks for the reply,

The student is a Belgian national, so 10 years seems to be the cut ...

I told him not to get ever anohter infraction .... even speeding ... and the fear of god seems to have worked.

It bears mentioning that I'm north of the 49th ... but thanks again for the input.

Great site here, such a request hereabouts would normally invite flames from those who have access to the parents computer.

Thanks,

P

 

[bobbysamd]

Public Records

No problem. But he should order records from his home country and maybe Transport Canada, if possible. The idea is to compile a dossier on yourself so you have the same records that employers can obtain. It helps level the playing field and minimize being sandbagged at an interview.

 

[want2flyy]

Well, this might help a little bit..as far as the domestic stuff goes ....ask the court in your area where they send people for counseling or probation as part of their sentencing.... sometimes a defendant will get "2 months lockup and 3 months Change program" for instance....the point is , when you do your interview you can admit your mistake but then point out that you went to various counseling programs and rehabilitation courses..you know volunteer to go to the classes...get some on your resume.... shows your initative to change and that you dealt with your mistake..
as far as the felony charge for weapons...was it just 1 count for possession or several counts?Well, anyway check the federal court in your area..and check to see if anything can be done about it...I know its sounds crazy but talk to a lawyer, an asst.U.S. attorney..its a reach but you never know...then if you have to explain anything to an interviewer...well start with the truth and describe how your vengeful ex called ATF, and had them take away all of your "FAMILY HEIRLOOMS"...
Its no lie that its going to be hard for you, but it doesnt hurt to try...remember ...its all in the presentation..
ex-big city retired police officer