Expert: D. Norkus - 6/8/2007

Question
I am a student pilot and have recently been involved in a accident ,pilot error sustantial damage to the aircraft. Nobody was hurt. How do accident/incident records look to the airlines. Have I ruined my chances of ever being employed?

Answer
Andrew

No, you have not ruined your career chances. People do get hired with accidents and incidents on their records. Being a student pilot, you will probably have a lot less to explain to the hiring board than an ATP in the same situation but do be prepared to talk about it when the time comes. (Airlines want you to bring your airman records or they request them from the FAA.) Just be honest. State the situation simply and what you learned and how you are a better pilot as a result. Learning from ones mistakes is what the hiring board wants to see whether is was an accident, incident, DUI or any other infraction/violation. Showing how you are now a better airman as a result of any 'negative' experience is how you turn it into a positive in your interview!

You should also search these message boards as this subject is a topic that has been posted there before: http://forums.flightinfo.com
Reading about others similar experiences may be of interest.

Also, the boards on these sites may also be useful:
http://www.airlinepilotcentral.com
http://www.jetcareers.com

Good luck in your future interview!
Dottie