Actually the airlines have quite a number of alcoholic piltos...American
sent their problem drinkers to Hazleton Minnesota to a treatment center for
years and may still do so...
As to what this aspiring pilot can expect a lot depends on the timing of
the DUI's...If it's been a number of years ago that would work in his
favor...If it was 2 episodes close together at age 21 (or before) and he's
been sober since, that would be favorable togetting a medical
certificate....He should go the medical aviation examiner, complete the form
and DON'T LIE ! The examiner will take all the data and likely defer the
issuance to the FAA.
They will review it - it would expedite their handling of it if he has a
consulatation report from a alcohol/drug abuse counselor showing his
temperance and also participation in a 12 step or other "after-care"
program. If however there are ongoing issues, it would be more of a problem
in getting a medical certificate!
Anyone with a medical who gets convicted of DUI must notify the FAA as
well.
As for jobs - yes, the airlines and others are choosing from pools of
applicants...any blemish makes it more difficult...but entry level jobs-
cargo dogs, flight instructors, smaller corporate flight departments are
more commonly filled by personal recommendations and frequently
who-do-you-know and how well do they know you...so starting small, busting
your hump and staying sober will go a long way....eventaually as he has
hours and experience time will have passed... and his driving record may
have been cleanesed...can be done in some states after a period of
years...or governor's clemency (read political donation!) ...anyway, the
airlines generally only ask if you've had a DUI in the past X number of
years..generally 5 - 10...some sin committed in his youth and not repeated
in past 5 - 10 years may not be considered real relevant.
I know of someone who had 3 DUI's in his youth - saw the light, and now is
a first officer for a major carrier...it can happen - but it isn't easy!!

This is encouraging advice, thanks. I didn't expect to get so many replies. I
think I will take a couple lessons and see if it's truly something I want to
dedicate myself to (if I love it), and if I want it badly enough I will
overcome the added challenge. If I'm not that passionate about it then it
doesn't make sense for me to persue it. I figure by the time I am elligable for
a job as a pilot for an airline, it will be about 6 years since my last dui and
I can try and make some friends and connections in that time. What do you
think?