Aerospace/Aviation/Terrified(old dui)

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Expert: - 1/16/2008


Question
Hi...

I'm and old man(35 today) and am in the procces of training for a private pilots liscence.  I have an old dui (aprox 4-5 years old) and want to know how that might effect my eligility to get this thing done.  Should I just shut it down?  Is there a time limit?  I was younger and stupid, but I really want to learn to fly.  I took my first lesson today and... you've been there... It was unbelievable.  I'm more commited now than I've ever been to jumpin' up in the sky and doin' the thing.  Any insight would be greatly appreaciated.

Thanks,
Will

Answer
Hi,

The main thing is that you MUST be truthful on your FAA Medical Certificate application....where it asks about any such convictions, make sure you admit it, as applicable.  The other thing is that it is not really much of an issue in pursuing your Private Pilot Certificate.  

However, if you plan to pursue your FAA Commercial Certificate and then pursue employment as a pilot after that, it WILL come into play.  Some companies are very strict about past DUIs and some are not.  Again, be truthful and do not try to hide it and, in the end, it should come out OK for you.

I hope that this helps.  Best wishes,

David A. NewMyer

Aerospace/Aviation

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David A. NewMyer

Expertise

I can answer questions about aviation industry employment, airports and airport planning and aviation industry regulation (overall regulation of the industry--who regulates what and why).

Experience

I have worked in aviation since the late 1960s, primarily in airports, airport planning and in aviation education. I have done major research in aviation employment and in graduate education in aviation.

Organizations
University Aviation Association since 1982 (President, 2009-2010)

Publications
Collegiate Aviation Review Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education and Research Journal of Air Transportation ATEA Journal SIU Press

Education/Credentials
B. S. in History and Government, University of Redlands, California, 1969 M. A. in Political Science (Metropolitan Studies), Drew University, Madison, New Jersey, 1971 M. S. in Transportation, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, 1974 Ph.D. in Education (Education Aministration and Higher Education), Southern Illinois University Carbonale, 1987

Awards and Honors
United Airlines William Wheatley Award from the University Aviation Association, 1994 for excellence in Post Secondary Aviation Education Sorensen Award for Excellence in Research, University Aviation Association, 2008

Past/Present Clients
Prepared airport master plan and environmental assessment reports for several Illinois Airports; prepared two separate airport systems plans for the Chicago area

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