DUI Conviction

On 2008-07-31 19:54:30 -0700, "ceaser28" u45176@uwe said:

Hello Everyone,

I am 23 years old and I have been convicted of 1 DUI for smelling like
alcohol pratically in New Hampshire, do I still have a shot at being a
commercial pilot?

Yes. But I wouldn't recommend getting another DUI. I know of at least
one line guy who lost not only his job, but his girl friend because of
a single DUI -- and a line guy is not even a pilot. But then, he was
driving 120 mph down a runway in his car, flew off the end, and crashed
into the approach lights. Worse yet, he had a contract control tower
guy with him in the car -- and that guy already had a couple
convictions for bar fights as well as DUI. Makes it kind of tough to
ignore. He was lucky he wasn't killed. But even in his case I think he
could probably get a job as a commercial pilot if he keeps his nose
clean. He's a smart kid who probably learned from his mistakes. As for
the air traffic controller, IMHO he has had enough chances. At some
point you have to figure the guy not only is not going to stop drinking
but that he has bad judgment as well. But I understand he actually
found a job somewhere else, giving weather briefings or some such.

I am not sure you have learned anything from your mistake, however.
Have you? What does "pratically" mean? I think the best approach in an
interview is to be up front about it. "Yeah, I got a DUI in New
Hampshire a few years ago. I'm not proud of it and I sure learned a
lesson from it." Make of it an opportunity to demonstrate your honesty,
genuineness, and willingness to admit mistakes and learn from them.
These are great assets in a commercial pilot. Screwing up as a pilot is
not nearly as bad as being unable to admit that you screwed up.

I personally do not drink, never have. Nevertheless, I don't see the
point of condemning someone forever simply because they have done
something stupid once or twice. And I see no reason why others should
not drink simply because I choose not to. Let he who is without sin
cast the first stone.

--
Waddling Eagle
World Famous Flight Instructor