CL-65-pilot

I was involved in a situation about a year ago out on-line and without going into too much boring detail the end result was that I was issued a warning letter from the FAA. Prior to that I had been trying to get the attention of Southwest and even went out and spent the $$ on the type rating. I'm curious to know if anyone has any idea how detrimental this might be to my chances with SWA? Has this happened to anyone else? Did you get hired anyway? The letter drops out of my record after 2 years but all applications seem to ask the question in a way that says "Have you "ever" received a letter from the FAA...". Did my dreams of getting to a Major carrier just go down in flames or is there hope?

Widow's Son

There is a school of thought that says if it isn't in your file, it never happened.
I do know that at least two pilots who were fired for something that was dredged up after they were hired, but the association got both their jobs back.
Another option is to just be very open and up front about the situation and perhaps turn a negative into a positive by how you deal with it.
Good luck

Pilotpip

I took an Aviation Law class while in school. It was taught by an Attorney who is also a capitain for a regional. We discussed this one in detail and this was his basic take:

Admit it, explain it, and explain what you learned from the process. If you're not a repeat offender and understand what you did many would see this as a sign of experience and maturity. You're more likely to get the job (and keep it) if you do this than saying no and assuming that because your two years have passed they won't somehow dig the violation up.

L'il J.Seinfeld

If that is the only thing you have against you, you'll have no problem. In fact, I think it will help you to have something to discuss. Accept whatever responsibility you need to and just be ready to discuss in an unemtional manner. There would be nothing worse than to quibble and say it's not in your record anymore so it does not count.

HSLD

I think you'll be OK, not knowing the details it's hard to say though (I don't want to know).

You're getting good advice in the other posts, although I'd echo:

a). Don't lie. If the application asks "have you ever...letter of warning", and you have, then be honest. With all the background checks they do on a new hire, they WILL find the skeletons.

b). Be ready to explain said letter in the interview WITHOUT assigning blame. Sure there were external factors, although take responsibility and be ready to talk about how the experience changed the way you operate. In other words, present it as a learning experience and as self-correcting behavior.

Good Luck & don't despair. Just be honest.

ultradrvr

All of the above sounds like excellent advice....Look em in the eye and tell the truth...you would get more points with me for telling the truth than trying to cover it up....who here hasnt made a mistake...some would say experience it making a mistake and learning from it. Good luck

widespreadpanic

What about: Have you ever had an accident /incident?

It technically is neither.
Or, is the letter of warning consider an incident?

WP

CL-65-pilot

Thank You all for your replies to my quandary. It is encouraging to hear these ideas from others in the industry. I learned a long time ago that lying and being deceptive about anything during an interview or on the job is the absolute worst thing to do. I would never even consider trying to hide something as serious as a conflict with the FAA.
I also believe that if I were to get to an interview I could explain the situation and turn it into a positive learning experience (which it was). My concern is that an airline, like SWA, would screen out any application with a "yes" response to their question and I'd never get the chance to make my case. I guess there is no way to know if that is the case so I will continue to update my application with them monthly and hope for the best. I am curious to know if there is anyone out there who has had this happen and managed to overcome it and get hired with SWA or any other major?
Thanks again for the aid and support. Happy new year to all and safe flying.

Browntail

Here is the COLD, HARD TRUTH. There are TENS of THOUSANDS of pilots with a TOTALLY CLEAN record from the FAA looking for the same jobs as yourself. Why should an airline pick you WITH an enforcement action on your record?

OldAg84

There but for the grace of God go I..... Happy Holidays.