Background Checks

DreamingATC13 · May 4th, 2008, 16:21

I know this is suppose to be pretty extensive when they run you threw the system, but would trouble when when you were like 14 be a big concern for them? I just wonder because this is something I really want to pursue but I use to be somewhat of a "hell raiser" In my EARLY teenage years. Do they check Juvenile record?

borommakot · May 4th, 2008, 17:31

If you report it to them, likely not.

If you fail to report it, they found out and catch you, then you are in trouble.

From what I have seen, the FAA is willing to work with people on their background checks, as long as the applicant is upfront about the situation on their SF-86 form. Juvenile stuff that happened many years ago probably won't be an issue at all, if you tell them about it from the start.

However, if you don't notify them of everything they ask for on that form, they will very likely find out about it anyway. Now they have caught you lying on an application to a federal job, and you can pretty much kiss your ATC career goodbye.

Bottom line: Report *everything* they ask for on the SF-86 form.

JT ATC · May 4th, 2008, 17:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by DreamingATC13

I know this is suppose to be pretty extensive when they run you threw the system, but would trouble when when you were like 14 be a big concern for them? I just wonder because this is something I really want to pursue but I use to be somewhat of a "hell raiser" In my EARLY teenage years. Do they check Juvenile record?

Yes...but... On the security form it asks:

If you have ever been charged with or convicted of a felony, firearms or explosives offense, and charges or convictions related to alcohol or drugs

If you have been arrested or charged with or convicted of and offense not listed above WITHIN THE LAST 7 YEARS.

Look up this form: SF86. You can just google it. That's the form you will have to fill out for a background check. It's a REALLY good idea to have this filled out early. It's a bit of pain in the butt.

As for it being when you were 14...ya I doubt it's gonna be a concern unless it was something REALLY serious.

Beehive · May 4th, 2008, 18:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by DreamingATC13

I know this is suppose to be pretty extensive when they run you threw the system, but would trouble when when you were like 14 be a big concern for them? I just wonder because this is something I really want to pursue but I use to be somewhat of a "hell raiser" In my EARLY teenage years. Do they check Juvenile record?

I filled out the SF85p which is similar to the SF86 and like JT stated it ask for the last 7 years of criminal activity(juvinile or adult) minus traffic tickets of less than $150. FYI: You and government agencies are the only people who have access to your juvenile record and if you have been involved in illegal drug activity in the last two years you will no longer be considered for employment.
The medical examination(FAA form 8500-8) ask if you've had any DUI's and it ask if you have a history of nontraffic convictions (misdimeanors or felonies).

csmith_txatc · May 4th, 2008, 18:22

On a slightly related note,

Does anyone have any idea how long the security background checks are taking? I attended the PEPC in Ft. Worth, TX last Thurs. and was just curious how long it has been taking to complete these.

borommakot · May 4th, 2008, 18:55

I attended the PEPC in March, and it took 3-4 weeks for it all to pass, and get my class date in OKC.

ABC · May 4th, 2008, 19:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by csmith_txatc

On a slightly related note,

Does anyone have any idea how long the security background checks are taking? I attended the PEPC in Ft. Worth, TX last Thurs. and was just curious how long it has been taking to complete these.

It usually takes several months for the full security clearance, especially for those people who were selected for enroute.

They do, however, give you a conditional clearance within a few days/weeks so that you may be eligible to get a class date for the Academy.

I am an enroute applicant and got my conditional clearance on the fourth business day following the PEPC. My credit report was pulled the day after I received my conditional clearance.

I got my class date for the Academy a few days ago, but I don't think I will get my full clearance for another 4-9 months.

csmith_txatc · May 4th, 2008, 19:04

So they do give a conditional clearance that allows you to start in OKC? I'm just wondering because I have a tentative start date in OKC for May 29.

ABC · May 4th, 2008, 19:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by csmith_txatc

So they do give a conditional clearance that allows you to start in OKC?

Yessir (ma'am?).

You and I attended the same PEPC (Atlanta on 04/08) and if you got your OKC date you obviously got a conditional clearance as well.

csmith_txatc · May 4th, 2008, 20:03

No, I was at the Ft. Worth PEPC on May 1. They gave me a tentative start date pending all the medical, psych, security checks coming back. I know the security takes the longest, I was just trying to get a feel to see if I'm actually gonna make the tentative start date.

FiveO · May 4th, 2008, 20:53

Was it a serious offense? If it was bad enough than it could have carried over.

ATC RET 2003 · May 4th, 2008, 21:04

Just tell the truth and everything will be fine. Listen to or read the question carefully and answer it honestly. If the question is "Have you ever...", it means EVER.

Don't embellish anything... don't downplay anything.

Above all else, don't assume that something in your past can't be found out. If you did it... admit it.

GBurgNupe · May 4th, 2008, 21:48

I did the ATL PEPC on 4/10, got my OKC date about 2 weeks ago (conditional clearance). They pulled my credit at the PEPC and did most of the fingerprinting etc, there. Some of my friends called me last week to tell me they got mail to fill out from the FBI (security/background stuff I guess), so I think they give a conditional if most of the important stuff goes through.....

ABC · May 4th, 2008, 22:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by csmith_txatc

No, I was at the Ft. Worth PEPC on May 1.

Oh, ok. I see you updated your signature. The old one led me into believing you attended the PEPC on 04/08.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GBurgNupe

Some of my friends called me last week to tell me they got mail to fill out from the FBI (security/background stuff I guess), so I think they give a conditional if most of the important stuff goes through.....

From my personal experience, they give a conditional clearance before they pull your credit and before they even receive the OPM (not FBI) security forms from your references. I am guessing they just make sure there's no match on the fingerprints and no disqualifying information is reported on the SF-86 (or SF-85 if you are terminal).

Although my background is clean, I was really surprised to get a conditional clearance in only four days. That was even faster than the medical. My references got the security forms a week AFTER my conditional clearance.

TBarry253 · May 5th, 2008, 08:12

It took about 4 weeks for my Interim Secret Clearance to go through for my current job and an additonal 4 months or so for my full Secret.

According to one of the investigators the interim secret is nothing more than a 'quick' background check - similar to when/if you get pulled over (outstanding warrant check and whatnot)

JKoffler44 · May 5th, 2008, 08:35

I was speaking with a NATCA union rep over the weekend, and I asked him about background checks. He said that right now, they need people so badly, they are willing to over look something if you don't lie about it and are 100% upfront. He said he knows of some ATCs with some crazy stuff on their record, and are currently employed.

teenadie · May 5th, 2008, 09:02

Isn't that just wonderful.................relax the backround checks and hire people with 'crazy stuff' on their records. Great! What will they look over next??

JT ATC · May 5th, 2008, 09:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by teenadie

Isn't that just wonderful.................relax the backround checks and hire people with 'crazy stuff' on their records. Great! What will they look over next??

Actual ability to do the job. From what i've heard...they are are already doing it. Just pushing people through training.

ATC RET 2003 · May 5th, 2008, 09:12

It's a numbers game.

Airforceone · May 6th, 2008, 20:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by ABC

Yessir (ma'am?).

You and I attended the same PEPC (Atlanta on 04/08) and if you got your OKC date you obviously got a conditional clearance as well.

I was at atlanta on 4/8 and I got my final offer 2 weeks after that. Have you gotten yours yet? If so when do you start training in OK?

ABC · May 7th, 2008, 18:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airforceone

I was at atlanta on 4/8 and I got my final offer 2 weeks after that. Have you gotten yours yet? If so when do you start training in OK?

05/12/2008