DUI's and flying?

I've got to rebut this one. I had 2 dui's about 16 years ago. I wasn't then,
nor am I now, an alcoholic. I still have an ocassional beer, but since I've
been married and had kids I hardly ever go out, and then it's either a Xmas
party or rock concert. I still have about a 6 pack left from a case in the
fridge from my son's birthday party in October (early). Most of the ones
gone, I didn't even drink. When I got the DUI's I was single and going out a
couple of nights a week to play pool and socialize. You can't spend time in
a bar and stay under the legal limit.

I know the drunk driving school I went to also uses the "You're in trouble
from drinking, therefore you're an alcoholic" theory, and it may be true in
most cases, but it is certainly not a rule without exceptions. According to
tthem, I should be dead by now, or at least back in jail since I haven't
totally sworn off drinking. Yet I'm not either. I'm going on 20 years at the
same job (ugh), have a modest home and a wonderful wife and kids. I also
have a plane of my own. I can honestly say I've never been happier, yet I
can still enjoy an ocassional beer. All after 2 dui convictions.

Also, I had to get rides to work when I lost my license. One of my regular
rides would pick up a six pack and four nips at lunchtime. He drank 3 beers
adn 2 nips at lunch, 2 nips during work and downed the other 3 beers on the
way home. Ironically, I was never the least bit concerned with his driving.
My father, however, who hasn't drunk in decades, made me a nervous wreck.

Cleaning up my desk just now, I found the letter from the FAA after applying
for my first Class 3 medical. It says:

Our review of your medical records has established that you are eligible for
a Third Class medical certificate. You are cautioned that further alcohol
related offenses, or evidence of alcohol abuse may require re-evaluation of
your medical certification.

So, even after 11 years, it was a factor to them. I think part86 may have to
jump through a few hoops for a while, but it is certainly doable. I'd
recommend getting the medical up front, just so you know wether it's worth
going for now or waiting a few years.

mike regish

"Jay Honeck" wrote in message
news:1D3yb.153952$Dw6.618565@attbi_s02...
Nice. He says he has two DUIs and you label him as an alcoholic.
("practicing" or not)

Harsh, I know -- but here's how I figure this.

1. In younger days, I drove under the influence too many times myself.
2. I am not a "knee-jerk prohibitionist" when it comes to alcohol. At 45,
I
still occasionally drive home after a few beers. Anyone who goes to a bar
with friends does, too.
3. My father-in-law and uncle were alcoholics. My sister is an alcoholic.
I have observed these people drink themselves into oblivion. I know for a
fact that all of them got behind the wheel occasionally when they should
not
have.
4. None of them was ever convicted of ANY DUI tickets.

Given my background, I think I am at least semi-qualified to say the
following:

1. Part86 has TWO DUI tickets.
2. He/she's either incredibly unlucky, or he/she has managed to drive
while
drunk worse than the three most hard-core, practicing alcoholics I know.

Perhaps the law enforcement folks just have it in for Part86 -- but I
doubt
it. One conviction could happen to anyone -- but I think it's pretty
safe
to say that anyone with TWO DUI convictions is a practicing alcoholic, and
needs to walk away from booze, pronto.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"