Driving Record

[AK1979]

I have one DUI on my driving record from November 2006 does this mean that I will never be able to become a First Officer for a Regional Airline? Please advise on how airlines view DUI's? How much time has to elapse before I can even be considered? Please advise so I know whether its worth continuing my flight training at this time. Thanks!

[mojo6911]

You posted this in the wrong place. Here are some previous threads:

http://forums.jetcareers.com/general...ghlight=dui%2A (DUI/DWI and the Regionals)
http://forums.jetcareers.com/the-lav...ghlight=dui%2A
http://forums.jetcareers.com/ask-a-f...ghlight=dui%2A (DUI?)
http://forums.jetcareers.com/flight-...ghlight=dui%2A (DUI??)
http://forums.jetcareers.com/general...ghlight=dui%2A (DUI???)

1 DUI shouldn't discount you from a regional FO job, but it is pretty recent. Anything else in your background/history?

[AK1979]

No I don't have anything else in my past. How long should I wait?

[ElyJs]

1. You have a recent DUI

2. You are in major debt to RAA.

3. You only have a PPL.

You need to do some serious research before you do anything else. Jetcareers is a very good place to start. I am not saying you will never be a regional FO but you need to consider your chances of succeeding. I know with a start like that I would never have made it. I am barely making it without those mistakes. You may need to go get a job in a different industry while slowly building your time and putting some money away. This will also put some distance between you and your DUI.

Maybe you can fly for recreation and really enjoy it instead of making it career. Maybe it is a blessing in disguise, you can very likely make more money and enjoy a high QOL in another industry.

-Jason
www.flyboulder.com

[SpiraMirabilis]

If I were you I would apply to that Chinese flight instructing position in China, work there 1-2 years and then be a FO for their CRJs and work contract for a few years. Then when you've come back to the states not only has it been like 6-7 years since your DUI but you have previous 121 experience without getting sloshed on the job.

[BajtheJino]

OR finish your training and go get a job as a Regional F.O. like everyone else. I know plenty of pilots with drinking problem-that have been pulled over-out working for several regional airlines.

[dj4wrd]

Originally Posted by AK1979

I have one DUI on my driving record from November 2006 does this mean that I will never be able to become a First Officer for a Regional Airline? Please advise on how airlines view DUI's? How much time has to elapse before I can even be considered? Please advise so I know whether its worth continuing my flight training at this time. Thanks!

I'm in the same boat. My research talking to recruiters at a couple of the Regionals is not good if you have a recent DUI. Eagle and Republic want to see 5yrs of time between your DUI and applying. Let me know if you hear anything counter to the 5yrs, and which Regional it is. I'm not that anxious to make $20k a yr as an FO, but I'd like to know it's an optioin.

[AK1979]

Thanks for the reply. Which Chinese flight instructor position are you referring to? Do they train for my other ratings Inst to MEI? Do they check U.S. driving records? Are training costs covered? Thanks again

[SpiraMirabilis]

No, you have to get your own instructor ratings then apply to them like a regular job.
http://forums.jetcareers.com/jobs-av...ors-china.html (Flight Instructors - China)

[LOGS]

Originally Posted by dj4wrd

I'm in the same boat. My research talking to recruiters at a couple of the Regionals is not good if you have a recent DUI. Eagle and Republic want to see 5yrs of time between your DUI and applying. Let me know if you hear anything counter to the 5yrs, and which Regional it is. I'm not that anxious to make $20k a yr as an FO, but I'd like to know it's an optioin.

Funny, I know a guy that was going through republic training and got his SECOND DUI (first one was like 5/6 years ago) and they kept him. He was even on house arrest.

Yea it sucks, if the airline goes into Canada you'll need a lot of time before you'll be eligable, but its not the end of the world. We're all human and not all of us can be that super pilot.

=Jason-

[dj4wrd]

Originally Posted by LOGS

Funny, I know a guy that was going through republic training and got his SECOND DUI (first one was like 5/6 years ago) and they kept him. He was even on house arrest.

Yea it sucks, if the airline goes into Canada you'll need a lot of time before you'll be eligable, but its not the end of the world. We're all human and not all of us can be that super pilot.

=Jason-

Second DUI and they kept him? That's crazy... and at the same time VERY encouraging. Some other JC'ers have given me info on Canada entry. It's a lengthy process with a TON of paperwork. Not fun. Hopefully it all works out. Thanks for the post.

[zmiller4]

Originally Posted by dj4wrd

Second DUI and they kept him? That's crazy...and at the same time VERY encouraging.

Ummm....no. It's VERY scary. Two DUI's ought to be pretty much a death sentence for an airline career.

[Doug Taylor]

Originally Posted by zmiller4

Ummm....no. It's VERY scary. Two DUI's ought to be pretty much a death sentence for an airline career.

If it's not, it should be.

Methinks for the upper tier, it is.

[dj4wrd]

Originally Posted by zmiller4

Ummm....no. It's VERY scary. Two DUI's ought to be pretty much a death sentence for an airline career.

Agreed. Just saying it's encouraging to me, for my future, having one DUI and NO chance of a second DUI.