Can pilots have a criminal record?

Substance abuse and being branded a security threat are common reasons for FAA denial. Although felons are not strictly barred from becoming pilots, the FAA has leeway in denying licensing. Good moral character is an expected character trait of pilots. If you are unsure about your felony conviction, contact the FAA.



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A criminal record check is a crucial component of the pre-employment background check. Airlines need to ensure that their pilots have a clean criminal record and do not pose a threat to passengers. Pilots with past criminal convictions, especially for violent crimes or drug offenses, may not be eligible for employment.

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American Airlines states that they completely consider “all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history.” This signifies that they examine an applicant's prior experience and qualifications more than their previous legal issues.

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As anyone can deduce, airline pilots undergo many security screenings and background checks. What's lesser known is the verification and security process that begins at the outset of a new pilot's training.

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How far back does an FAA background check go? Since 2002, airline pilots and anyone who works airside (those who enter places known as SIDAs or security identification display areas) at an airport must submit their fingerprints for an FBI 10-year criminal history check.

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Criminal Background Check Required
  • Aircraft piracy.
  • Aircraft piracy outside the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States.
  • Armed robbery.
  • Assault with intent to murder.
  • Carrying a weapon or explosive aboard an aircraft.
  • Commission of certain crimes aboard aircraft in flight.
  • Conveying false information and threats.


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You can get a FAA certificate if you have a felony conviction, unless the conviction is for a drug or alcohol related offense.

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Challenging Career Path Most airlines require 1,500 hours of experience before even considering a candidate. This can take several years to obtain, depending on the type of job you get initially. There are ways to fast-track your career, however, and no airline has the exact same hiring standards or process.

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Being a pilot can be stressful at times. It requires immense concentration, quick decision-making, and a lot of patience. A pilot is responsible for the well-being of all crew members and passengers on board, and they sometimes have to fly under unpredictable conditions.

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However, other airlines may be more lenient depending on your individual case, such as what the misdemeanor was for, how long ago it happened and other factors. If you have been convicted of a misdemeanour in the last 10 years – even if you never went to jail, you must declare it in the Criminal Records Check.

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British Airways has confirmed it has fired a pilot whose layover antics caused it to cancel a flight at a cost of $120,000.

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In the U.S., there are no FAA age limits for pilots except for commercial airline pilots employed by airlines certificated under 14 CFR Part 121. These airlines cannot employ pilots after they reach the age of 65. However, these pilots may stay on with a Part 121 carrier in some other role, such as flight engineer.

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The FAA's regulations require airline pilots to undergo a medical exam with an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) every six months to five years, depending on the type of flying they do and their age. Aviation Medical Examiners are trained to determine the pilot's mental health and fitness to fly.

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Psychological problems can onset at any time during a pilot's career making it important procedures are in place to identify pilots with mental health conditions or impaired brain function.

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