How does the FAA find out about DUI?

The NDR maintains information on individuals whose privilege to operate a motor vehicle has been revoked, suspended, canceled or denied or who have been convicted of serious traffic-related offenses, including DUI. The FAA may identify and discover infractions or convictions based on their search.



The FAA finds out about a pilot's DUI primarily through a mandatory self-reporting system and regular cross-referencing with the National Driver Register (NDR). Under Federal Regulation 14 CFR Part 61.15, any pilot (even students) must report an alcohol-related motor vehicle action to the FAA’s Security Division within 60 days. Furthermore, when a pilot applies for their mandatory medical certificate (via MedXPress), they must explicitly consent to an NDR background check. This database contains records of all driver's license suspensions, revocations, and DUI convictions across the United States. If a pilot fails to report a DUI and the FAA discovers it through the NDR—which they almost always do—the consequences are severe, often resulting in the permanent revocation of all pilot certificates for "intentional falsification." In 2026, the FAA views the failure to report as a greater character flaw than the DUI itself, making honest disclosure the only viable path for a pilot to keep their wings.

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If you ever need to submit medical records to the FAA, they will review everything you give them. Many pilots have waited months or years for their medical certificates because each new record they provide to justify their medical certificate eligibility reveals another ailment they did not disclose before.

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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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Due to airline and federal requirements, job applicants ordinarily go through a unique federal 10-year background investigation. During this investigation, they will look at a job applicant's criminal background including felonies, misdemeanours, and DUI convictions.

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If you go by the official FAA AME (Airman Medical Examiner) guide, in section “D” it states that if you have had two or more DUI/DWI/DUAC events in your lifetime that your application for a Third Class Medical will be deferred and sent to the FAA for a final decision. How difficult is it to get a pilot's license?

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Unfortunately, some medical or health issues may cause you to fail the extensive medical examinations required to become a pilot. This includes certain heart diseases, conditions such as epilepsy, poor hearing, bad vision, and even common allergies, as certain allergy medications can make you drowsy.

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Getting a FAA medical certificate with a misdemeanor on your record is not impossible. Oftentimes a single misdemeanor conviction may not be significant to your eligibility for FAA medical certification, meaning that deferral by your Aviation Medical Examiner (“AME”) won't be warranted.

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On the airline side, most airlines will not consider an applicant with a DUI in the last five years, between 5-10 years they will look at the situation. The major airlines like United, Delta, etc might be a tough sell, but the Low Cost Carriers like Spirit are generally not as stringent on this.

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The airline transport pilot (ATP) is the most advanced pilot certificate one can obtain, and it's necessary for those who want to fly commercial airliners for a living. All commercial airlines now require a pilot applicant to have an ATP certificate.

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Extortion, smuggling, robbery, arson, or bribery. Rape or aggravated sexual abuse. Kidnapping or hostage-taking. Assault with intent to kill or voluntary manslaughter.

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Airlines are required by the FAA to randomly test pilots for drugs and alcohol, and tests can also be required after an accident or when someone — such as a fellow crew member or security personnel — has reason to suspect a pilot might be under the influence.

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However, to safeguard the ranks of this vital agency, a rigorous and thorough background check was set into place as part of the TSA hiring process. From checking credit rating to unpaid debts, and criminal convictions, there are a number of factors that can you lead to automatic disqualification.

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