kylejacobsen

Hey Everyone,

I recently submitted my online application to American Eagle, because I am nearing their minimums (480TT, 165 ME, 20 Turbine, 60 Dual Given). I did have a few questions regarding my driving/criminal record. When I was 17, I failed an OWI test. However, since I was a minor, I received probation, which I completed early. The criminal charges were dropped, but my license was revoked for 6 months. On my driving record, this obviously shows up. Then, when I was a Freshman in college (age 19), I got pulled over for an Underage Drink and Drive. The charge was dropped, and reduced to Careless Driving. The underage does not show up on my traffic record, but I am guessing it will on my criminal record when they check the details of the case. I listed both of these events, with explanations, in my application. I have learned a great deal from both of these events, and I have used them as a way to mature into a responsible adult.

I have tried to get involved in as many leadership positions that I can, including a mentoring program through our school, to help educate the younger students on the problems that dumb decisions can cause. I am also a CFI at the flight school. The problem is, I am only 21 and I know time is my best asset to prove that I have made the changes that are required to be a professional pilot. My question is; how do I, or will I, get an interview with priors like those on my application? I've heard that one alcohol offense isn't necessarily a death sentence, but two or more starts to show a pattern. I am, by no means, an alcoholic, and I have never had prior problems with alcohol/drugs. I just made some really terrible choices that will now follow me forever, and I regret them every day. Like I said, I've used my prior mistakes to learn and grow into a better person. I just hope my decisions as a teenager don't drown the career path that has been my dream.

Any help/advice is greatly appreciated!

Thanks

Cubdriver

From what I understand you aren't going to Eagle with any sort of driving while intoxicated (OWI) record, the competition is too stiff, but other regionals might look at you in a year or so if you can stay clean. If your busts were all as a minor then maybe you can play the "I know better now" card. I would quit partying if I were you. You are really going to need a positive review from your flight school boss to overcome the stigma of irresponsibility, and that may take several years to produce. Have you finished college yet?

kylejacobsen

I will be graduating in the spring. I only have one online class left to complete. I should have graduated this semester, but there were a few mix ups on my transcript. I cut the partying as soon as my incident when I was 19. It was kind of at that moment where I needed to decide to a. grow up and change what I was doing or b. watch all my money get washed away and lose a chance at a career. Aviation obviously won, and my life is taken a 180 degree turn.

How will the competition field change with Eagle wanting to hire 700 pilots in 2012? I realize that the comp. will always be tough, but will that help any of my chances? Also, is there anything I can do now, as far as things in the community,my school, etc, that can help to show that I have learned from my mistakes??

Thanks for your help!

Cubdriver

I would forget Eagle. They have a rep here for being picky to the point of absurdity. You are going to have to selectively target some others. A lot of them will not touch a DUI. I would think they have the common sense to see a reformation pattern if you straighten up for some number of years, say 3 minimum, but with all the apps clogging the typical regional inbox you will still be lucky to get an interview. Use the search engine on the upper lefthand side and google previous threads on Eagle, there's lots of previous threads here. Here's one. You will get fly if you stick with it, but that rough start will have to be overcome. There's currently no pilot shortage and lots of perfect applicants.

Am I doomed?

rickair7777

Eagle will not hire you. But no harm in applying (unless they charge you a fee, which would be a waste of money).

With a DUI, all of the growing up, learning experience, turning a new leaf in the whole world will not get you a job until they run out of pilots with clean records, or until a lot of years have passed (decades). Being well connected with a senior airline manager will work though, so if you happen to have an uncle who's a chief pilot at AMR you should be good to go.

Are you legal to enter Canada? Has it been five years since you finished your jail/probabation? Have you completed the canadian rehabilitation program? Have you paid the canadian fee? If not, no large jet regional in the US is going to hire you cuz you cannot fly their trips.

kylejacobsen

It was juvenile probation, and it will be 4 years this May. I also don't have anything on my criminal record that says I have an OWI,that charge was erased when I completed the probation as a juvenile. The only record of it is on my driving record, with the DMV, where it states the reason for my license revocation as an OWI test failure. That is where I'm confused. My criminal record is clean, but like I said, it is on my driving record. So, I have no idea how that affects getting into Canada.

rickair7777

That may be a different story...

If it was juvenile, the airlines will probably be more understanding...some people may even tell you that you don't have to report juvenile convictions to employers but I would be very careful about that. Usually the assumption is that the records are sealed, but obviously your NDR may reflect license revocation...not sure how NDR treats juvenile issues.

You would probably need to discuss this with a Canadian consulate or immigration lawyer. Canada may or may not hold a juvenile conviction against you.