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4 Answers

CfI with a recent dui

Asked by: 2744 views , , , ,
FAA Regulations, Flight Instructor

So I screwed up big time. I’m 21 and I’ve been flying for 3 years, instructing for 18 months and have 650TT with 400 hours of instruction given, mostly in 172 but also 60 hours in an sr22 

2 days ago I got arrested for dui and I’m pretty sure I blew over a 0.15BAC

Before you judge just know I understand I made a terrible decision. I’ve never been arrested before. I know it’s going to be an uphill battle from here but I’m determined to do whatever it takes to keep my career on track.

Dads a southwest pilot with a clean record and military background  and following him there has always been a dream of mine I’m pretty devastated that I may have ruined that. 

My concern is whether I can or cannot continue to fly for work as I am currently working as an instructor. I know I need to notify the FAA within 60 days of any conviction or license suspension, but can I still fly for work until I get a letter from the FAA saying otherwise. Do you think my medical and or Licenses will be revoked? 

My my next biggest concern is how long might it take for a regionals to give me a chance. I know a lot of them won’t hire you 1. Because it’s a dui and 2. Because it restricts travel to Canada and other countries but is it true I can go through the Canadian rehabilitation program and receive my right to travel there in a year or so? I read about it on reddit.

Please be respectful in your comments. I know I screwed up big time. What’s always been my dream career might be hopeless now.

 

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4 Answers



  1. Mark Kolber on Nov 22, 2018

    First, be aware that the 60 days for reporting under FAR 61.15 begins with suspension of your driving privileges. In most states, driving privileges are administratively suspended at or around the time of the arrest.

    Second, in terms of what the FAA will do, it varies with what happened. My suggestion is to contact a professional, in this case a senior AME who know the system intimately and, on a consulting basis, will place you in the best light when the FAA looks at it. Bruce Chien is one who has helped many pilots effectively navigate this area. This forum rejects posts with links, but the website you are looking for can be found by Googling his name and aeromedicaldoc. The time to start thinking about this is now.

    Third, until the FAA takes some kind of action, you do not have to self-ground.

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  2. KDS on Nov 26, 2018

    Mark

    Would Bruce Chien also become involved in representing the accused in court or be able to recommend a lawyer in his home area who would be good at that? I am thinking in terms of having the offense changed to something other than a DUI.

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  3. Mark Kolber on Nov 27, 2018

    He’s a physician, not a lawyer.

    Whether there are some things a lawyer can do in court with the DUI charge which would limit what the FAA does depends primarily on state criminal procedure. But if there was even an initial administrative license suspension, given the breadth of the FAA inquiry both under 61.15 and the medical application, that’s often limited. The best the typical DUI attorney can do in my experience is to consult with an aviation attorney or AME to discuss the ramifications of different dispositions. I’ve done that in reckless driving cases with a little success but not on DUIs.

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  4. flash on Dec 26, 2018

    There are FAA issues you will be/are facing, and there are airline issues. You’ll want to solve both categories. I’d recommend you consult an agency that has an established and very credible reputation helping pilots who have made a mistake, such as the one you describe.

    One such company is Aviation Medical Advisory Services; google Virtual Flight Surgeons for their link. AMAS provides services to major Part 135 companies as well as several of the large Part 121 Pilot unions. They are experts and have a great deal of credibility with both the FAA and the airlines.

    Good luck.

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