Scared for my future career

[ARpilot]

Hello everyone,

I’m in a difficult situation in life right now and just want to hear other pilots opinions on my situation.

For reference, I understand this is my fault, I understand that what I did was wrong. I have completely changed my lifestyle and no longer hang out with the same crowd and do the same, stupid, sinful things I used to partake in.

I am a 20 y/o college aviation student. Due to concurrent credit in high school, I’m looking at graduating in 2 years with my CFI, making me a senior with one semester left. I have a 4.0, my degree is full honors and no checkride failures, currently working on my CMEL.

Around 6 months ago, I was caught using a fake id to buy beer from a gas station. I was charged with Minor in Possession of Alcohol and Possession of Altered Drivers License. I am currently working with my lawyer to receive a deviated sentence to at least get rid of the fake id charge. I have gone through the medical process and gotten my first class medical renewed so I’m in the clear there.

I’m really worried about how the job market is now and getting a job in the future. I’m scared that even though I feel that I am an exceptional student and pilot they will throw out my application no matter what when they see a checked box next to criminal history.

I don’t care about the big bucks flying wide bodies across the pond for $500,000/year, I just want to be able to fly for a career, no matter what it is. If I have God and a flying career I will be happy no matter what.

Am I wasting my time finishing my degree/flight training? Is there any chance of me getting a future job (121 or 91/135)?

Thank you all in advance for reading my diary entry lol! I look forward to seeing what yall have to say!

 

[wellknow]

of course. just keep working hard and building a good record.

 

[Mikey52]

Is the charge a felony or misdemeanor? If a misdemeanor I wouldn't worry too much, but if a felony it may be real tough.

 

[bonefishpete]

I would think your medical is in jeopardy. Might want to consult a AME. Looks bad to me.

 

[bbchien]

Possession of an altered driver's license in many if not most states triggers 18(w). You did report that, right?
What does your criminal background search look like-

If you don't report it and they find out-->revocation of everything.
If you do report it likely a psych eval. MIP alone is not a big thing if the only item on the list. But you have two. And a "deviated sentence" is not an acquittal. It still Triggers 18W where the question does not say, "Is there record of" it sez, "Have you ever?"

sigh

 

[TCABM]

…..I’m really worried about how the job market is now and getting a job in the future….
Am I wasting my time finishing my degree/flight training? Is there any chance of me getting a future job (121 or 91/135)?

The good news is you’re the only one who can decide if you are wasting time getting an education.

Your current life experience will not harm your overall chances at aviation success, unless you hide it from MedXpress, which is a punishable by a felony.

At 20, you lack experience and judgement; a lot is forgiven, unless you fail to learn from this event.

 

[DJTorrente]

"Have you ever..." read the rest of the sentence, too. Answer what is asked, and only what is asked. You have no obligation to volunteer anything that might be used to disqualify you -- unless it is asked for.

Question 18v asks "History of (1) any conviction(s) involving driving while intoxicated by, while impaired by, or while under the influence of alcohol or a drug; or (2) history of any conviction(s) or administrative action(s) involving an offense(s) which resulted in the denial, suspension, cancellation, or revocation of driving privileges or which resulted in attendance at an educational or a rehabilitation program"

Have you been convicted (of anything)? Ask your lawyer. If not, your answer to part (1) is truthfully "no". For part (2), "administrative action" is broader than a conviction. An arrest is an "administrative action". Did the offense result in the denial, suspension, cancellation or revocation of driving privileges; or result in attendance at an educational lor rehabilitation program? Ask your lawyer. Answer accordingly, truthfully.

Question 18w specifically asks about non-traffic convictions. If your diversionary plea involves a deferred prosecution in contemplation of dismissal, and all goes according to plan, you'll likely have a dismissed charge at the end of the process, and been convicted of nothing; and can answer accordingly, truthfully and with a clear conscience.

 

[ARpilot]

Went through the medical process and answered honestly reporting under 18w. My AME is a HIMS AME and he called the FAA and told him he could make a judgement call. He ended up issuing me my medical no restrictions.

Possession of an altered driver's license in many if not most states triggers 18(w). You did report that, right?
What does your criminal background search look like-

If you don't report it and they find out-->revocation of everything.
If you do report it likely a psych eval. MIP alone is not a big thing if the only item on the list. But you have two. And a "deviated sentence" is not an acquittal. It still Triggers 18W where the question does not say, "Is there record of" it sez, "Have you ever?"

sigh

 

[ARpilot]

Is the charge a felony or misdemeanor? If a misdemeanor I wouldn't worry too much, but if a felony it may be real tough.

They are misdemeanors, my worry is that I have two yk. Of course better than a DUI or felony but still not good at all…

 

[ARpilot]

The good news is you’re the only one who can decide if you are wasting time getting an education.

Your current life experience will not harm your overall chances at aviation success, unless you hide it from MedXpress, which is a punishable by a felony.

At 20, you lack experience and judgement; a lot is forgiven, unless you fail to learn from this event.

I have already reported everything on my medical form and to the FAA under 61.15. I wanted an absolute clear conscious and wanted to be fully honest with them so they have no reason to revoke anything in the future.

I have and am still learning many lessons and I believe this event has truly happened for the best. I live a much happier and healthier life now.

 

[ARpilot]

That’s exactly what I did. Researched HIMS AMEs in my area and found one with good reviews. Did a consultation prior to applying for a medical to get my papers in order. When medical day came around I already had everything the FAA wanted to see and got issued a first class the same day.

I would think your medical is in jeopardy. Might want to consult a AME. Looks bad to me.

 

[Katamarino]

I'm no expert but it sounds like you've handled it well. Do job applications even ask about misdemeanors? I don't see a huge cause to stress now that the medical stuff is OK.

 

[KKeller2231]

If you get a deferred sentence i see no reason to report. And airline background checks wont pull a difered sentence

 

[bbchien]

Ask your attorney. You DO have one, yes?
But, Lie, lie, lie is TERRIBLE Advice. You could lose EVERYTHING. Google Marth Stewart, who did NOT insider trade.
Sigh

 

[Hugh Despenser]

Ask your attorney. You DO have one, yes?
But, Lie, lie, lie is TERRIBLE Advice. You could lose EVERYTHING. Google Marth Stewart, who did NOT insider trade.
Sigh

I don’t know doctor.
I think the OP covered his bases with regard to the FAA medical side of things.

I read from his posts here that he got a HIMS AME, answered truthfully on the medical exam, and that his AME called OKC and got an Okay to issue.
(Posts 8, 10, and 11)

I think the OP, at this point, is more concerned about potential employer background checks.

 

[bbchien]

hmmn. upon re-reading the original post....you're correct as to about what the OP is concerned.....
I had a guy i the office yesterday...omitted his psychiatrist, his psych med, "forgot about the whole thing 18 months ago"....at least the OP got it right.

The key thing here is if any of this will show up on a criminal background check.....(findable during hiring).