WEACLRS

I'm sorry. I hate to bring bad news but you are really behind the 8-ball with your history. I talked with two hiring recruiters, one at my airline and one at another top five regional I know. I did not share your age, but just the information you provided. You are not disqualified from part 121 flying by the federal background check, but you are right on the edge. If the 2000 conviction was a felony, you'd be out 10 years from that date, no question.

However, both said it would be unlikely your app would be pulled for review from the online systems. The reason is when they apply filters to the system to pull selected apps, they usually say "no convictions". Therefor you will need a very very strong recommendation to even surface your app because the recruiter is going to have to pull it by name. Then let's say you get to the interview where you will have to admit to the other arrests (the apps only ask for convictions). Your interview will probably be politely over there. The reason is companies won't spend the money on a background check on you. This is usually done while you are in training (why - they don't want to spend the money on people who don't show for training). They definitely won't let you start training for fear you won't pass. Lastly they just don't need to. There are too many pilots available that don't have your situation.

I strongly agree with what CalCapt said: persistance and a great attitude in this business will get you a long way. However, in your case I'm not sure persistance will be enough. I agree with others, especially at your age. I was hoping you could just hold off a few years and pursue the dream later in life. But at 44 I really think you are better off focusing on a corporate pilot or other position than hold hope for a part 121 job.

I wish I had better news. Maybe others here have different information. Good luck to you.

LAfrequentflyer

CLRS,

Whats a good age to start up at the regionals? 135 Freight? I'm 34 now and not looking into aviation as a second career after I leave the military / government at 42. I'm I too far behind? I have a clean record - clean enough to have been nominated to work at the White House. I had to decline due to the hours I would have been away from my wife and family.


Thanks,
LA

rickair7777

Assuming you'll have a military retirement, 42 is not too late for the regionals, you could upgrade at say age 45-47 and have 15 years or so as a captain.

If you're thinking of taking taking the next jump to the majors, it's possible (airlines don't really mind if pilots never reach the top of the pay scale), but at your age the dues-paying to payoff ratio wouldn't be good at a major.

One thing you could do is try to get all your ratings before you retire, and as much of your 1000/100 as you can. You have plenty of time to do it...I have plenty of military buds who CFI on the side.

LAfrequentflyer

Thanks...I appreciate it..

-LAFF

atpwannabe

WEACLRS:

I want to thank you for your input. Having received information from someone who is in the industry is an invaluble resource.

I must admit it stings to hear what you have to say, , however, Part 121 is only one aspect of a flying career. As you pointed out, along with rickair7777, I have other options and I will exercise them. However, I do believe that there are some people out there, now in the industry, who read these threads, that have been in my shoes at one point in time or another and made it as a crewmember under Part 121 or 135.

Again thanks to you and rickair7777.

Chris

Hey atpwannabe.. I'm a little confused but I read several times where you went to ERAU? Did you not graduate or did you get a non-av degree?

Best of luck to you my friend.

WEACLRS

No not at all. No question most regional pilots are younger, but we have a number of post 40 guys in the grew rooms. Regional airlines like them because they have a tendancy to stay. You may need to alter your expectations a little, but having a military retirement (I wish I did) and holding captain at a regional can make for a nice life with a little senority. I'd try very hard to choose a regional airline that you can make a career out of...and gain a quick upgrade (say, under 4 years). But note that in all of Air Inc's material they show a 15 year career, among other lengths. So it's very possible to still reach a major. SWA has hired at 55 and 56 before.

The route is still the same. PPL - Inst - Comm - Comm/ME - CFI - CFII - MEI - Instruct - 1000/100 ish - Regional FO - Regional Cpt - ??? Sure there are other ways, maybe better for some, and it all depends on hiring needs at the time you reach competitive min times. But there are a lot of second career guys in the field.

LAfrequentflyer

Thanks...Did you find out about the tour?

-LA

atpwannabe

Chris:

Finished ERAU/Daytona Beach Campus/Fall of '87. BS in Aeronautical Studies/A.O.C.- Air Transportation Management(basically airline management). However, all of my work experience has been in airport management.

loudgarrettdriver

If you guys have bad driving records, DUIs or criminal history. Don't waste your time with regionals or airlines. They're not gonna hire you. There is just too many pilots on the market right now that have clean records.