PondJumper Posted April 25, 2012 Posted April 25, 2012 What's up guys? I'm looking to start AiMS Community College and join the flight trainning they have with Front Range. I will be moving across country to start school and am just trying to prepare for any problems that may come up. I haven't given much thought to the Flight Physical portion of this, but I recently read a post that made me take pause. Like most noobs I plan to finish my CFI and try to nab an instructor slot. When it comes to the flight physical, or any certifications, are there any criminal record checks or requirements? I'm no hardened criminal, but after high school I got into a little trouble, and now have 2 misdemeanors on my record (1 of which was expunged, and the other dismissed). Will this be a problem for me in getting any FAA certifications, etc.? Thanks in advance guys. Quote
nightsta1ker Posted April 25, 2012 Posted April 25, 2012 As long as you don't have any DUI or drug/alcohol related incidents I don't think it matters to the FAA. Getting a job MIGHT be a different story, but I have never had a background check done on me outside of the military. Misdemeanors, especially ones that have been dismissed, are usually tolerable to most employers as long as they are not too recent. My best advice: if asked about it, be honest. Otherwise keep your mouth shut. Good luck! Quote
JCM5 Posted April 25, 2012 Posted April 25, 2012 I can't remember if they ask about criminal history, but if they do - no matter what answer honestly. It is better to be forthright and jump through any necessary hoops from the get-go then to try and cover things up. In any event, get your medical before you do anything else - trust me! Quote
helonorth Posted April 25, 2012 Posted April 25, 2012 (edited) Simple answer: no. At some point if you go to work for a larger operator, they will do a pretty thorough background check on you. I still don't see it as ever being a problem (as long as they are not alcohol related), but I don't hire people. Edited April 25, 2012 by helonorth Quote
jim_222 Posted April 25, 2012 Posted April 25, 2012 Yeah, I am pretty sure that on the form you fill out when you get your medical, you have to report stuff like that. The good thing is that I know somebody who did have difficulty with that specific part. What they do, is they go and check the situation. I am pretty confident that they will issue you your medical, but a)it will probably take a while before they do, and b)they will probably add a restriction, or a comment, that at the first strike you are out (license revoked). Like jcm5 said, get your medical before anything else... Unless you just wanna pay to fly for fun, and never get to solo... Quote
helonorth Posted April 25, 2012 Posted April 25, 2012 I stand corrected. There is a box to check that states "history of nontraffic conviction(s) (misdemeanors or felonies), yes or no, on the medical application form. How they define "history", I don't know. If you have one (or even two), does that mean you have a "history"? I would join the AOPA and get with them on it. It may be a bump in the road, but I wouldn't be to concerned (but I would double check before spending any money!). Quote
ADRidge Posted April 25, 2012 Posted April 25, 2012 I had (have) an eleven year old misdemeanor marijuana conviction on my record that I had to disclose when I got my student pilot certificate. Basically, when you go in for your medical, the AME will ask you a little about the circumstances, make some notes on your form and send it off to Oklahoma City for review like any other medical. A few weeks, maybe a month later you'll most likely get a letter from the medical branch of the FAA asking for more information. If you were on probation, you'll need to get probation records or any other court documents that detail whatever action they took against you. You may have to write out a statement about what happened and why you were stupid and it was a temporary lapse in judgement and that you won't do it again. I had to do an interview with a drug counselor and prove to him that I'm not still an idiot and that I hadn't been one for ages. You'll go submit that (I think you have 60 days from when the FAA sends the request for information) and you'll get a letter in reply basically stating that if you ever get arrested again for anything, your certificate will be in jeopardy. Honestly, if you've pulled your head out of your six o'clock low position, it's not a big deal and you'll be fine. My current employer has no issue with my past, and I don't foresee an issue in the future, given that I'm subject to random UA's as part of his part 91 ride operation, and will soon be part of his pt135 operation. 1 Quote
ADRidge Posted April 25, 2012 Posted April 25, 2012 (edited) How they define "history", I don't know. If you have one (or even two), does that mean you have a "history"? Yes. History is basically their way of saying "have you ever..." and you will need to disclose it. They'll find it anyway, because they run your info from your D/L. edit to add: if you have any more detailed questions, feel free to PM me. I can probably give you a pretty good answer. Good luck! Edited April 25, 2012 by ADRidge Quote
jimbo2181 Posted April 25, 2012 Posted April 25, 2012 Sounds easier than when I checked the box "have you ever suffered from depression". Honestly who hasnt?! That was a $3000 mess... 1 Quote
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