[RightSeatGirl]

Bigpoppa...Here's how it works....An FBI background check will show all contact you have had with law enforcement that resulted in your being fingerprinted...i.e. arrests. It may or may not show a case disposition. Most airline applications will ask you if you have ever been "arrested" for a felony vs. "convicted". This is where you have to be careful and honest.

In your situation, as much as I hate to admit the Baby Poo Uniform Color Wearer is pseudo correct...you will be running a risk of undisclosed discriminatory job denial during an "employers" job market in aviation. However...comma...pause for effect.....when the age 65 band aid runs its course, it will once again be an "employees" job market and the next pilot shortage will make this last one look like it never happened. When that comes down around the end of 2012 I'd say as long as all of the other qualifications are met...you shouldn't have an issue.

I know some peeps in the HR dept of my airline and told them about your scenario. They said flat out that if you disclose everything the application requires you to disclose then it would not be a factor.

Now insofar as the FAA goes, if you have no convictions, you can get any certificate you earn. Provided you answer all application questions truthfully and thoroughly. If you do end up applying for an airline I would suggest writing a supplemental explanation of what happened along with a statement from your lawyer backing up your version of events.

Another thing you could and should do is write to the HR departments of the airlines you would like to apply to in the future and ask them about their policy regarding this issue. Or attend a job fair and talk to some recruiters and see what they think before you invest in the training.

But all in all, I really don't think this will be something that will keep you out of aviation. It may keep you out of a DAL, UAL or *ahem* UPS cockpit, but it won't roadblock you from the entirety of the industry.