Expert: D. Norkus - 1/17/2008

Question
Hello Dottie, this is my first time writing online and it might not be the best question you ever read. My concern is that I recieved a DUI ticket on 5th of August 2007 and I enrolled to Lewis Univ. aviation program earlier in Jan. of 2008. What I want to know that is the DUI going to affect my future in flying or flight related career. And if it will than how bad is going to and how can I prevent. Also I have not applied for any licenses or certificate so far. So please if you can take some time out and answer that question then I will feel satisfied.

Answer
Nikhil

Not being in HR or recruitment, I can only answer from a pilots persepective. When interviewing airlines are obviously looking for candidates with a clean record and some quality flight time (night, IFR, multi engine ect). That said, having a past DUI doesn't automatically exclude you. There have been pilots hired with past DUIs.

You should be open and honest about it when interviewing and make it clear that it was a youthful indiscretion. Hiring boards understand that people make mistakes but they also want to see that you have learned from them. Turn a negative into a positive by stating what you learned from the experience and how you have been make into a better person because of what you went through. You must also keep your record clean to show that it really was a one time mistake!

Read more about this at http://forums.flightinfo.com (search DUI) as there are many, many messages about the topic there already.

Also visit the forums at http://www.jetcareers.com

These pilot career counseling services employ former airline recruitment personnel and can provide more insight into your situation (for a fee), what to expect in an interview and more advice on how to best address it:

http://www.cageconsulting.com
http://www.flytheline.com
http://www.jet-jobs.com

Good Luck
Dottie