Can You be a Pilot with a Felony?
Aspiring pilots often have to navigate a complex and rigorous process to obtain their commercial pilot’s license. However, for individuals with a felony conviction, the road to becoming a pilot can be even more challenging. In this article, we will explore the question: Can You be a Pilot with a Felony?
What is a Felony?
Before we dive into the specifics, it’s essential to understand what constitutes a felony. A felony is a serious crime punishable by more than one year in prison. Examples of felonies include murder, robbery, burglary, drug trafficking, and fraud.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Requirements
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the primary regulatory body responsible for overseeing the safety of commercial aviation in the United States. To become a commercial pilot, an individual must meet the FAA’s eligibility requirements, which include:
- Being at least 18 years old
- Being able to read, speak, write, and understand English
- Holding a valid U.S. driver’s license
- Passing a third-class medical examination
- Holding a valid commercial pilot certificate
- Meeting the requirements for a private pilot certificate, including passing a written exam and a practical flight test
Can You be a Pilot with a Felony?
The answer to this question is generally no, at least not without some significant caveats. The FAA explicitly states that an individual with a felony conviction may be eligible for a commercial pilot certificate, but only under certain circumstances.
Exceptions to the Rule
While the FAA prohibits individuals with a felony conviction from holding a commercial pilot certificate, there are some exceptions:
- Pardons and Expungements: If an individual has received a pardon or expungement for their felony conviction, they may be eligible to apply for a commercial pilot certificate.
- Probation: If an individual is on probation for a felony conviction, they may be eligible to apply for a commercial pilot certificate, but only if they receive written permission from their probation officer.
- Specific Felony Convictions: The FAA has specific guidelines regarding which felony convictions may not disqualify an individual from holding a commercial pilot certificate. For example, if an individual has been convicted of a non-violent felony, such as possession of marijuana, they may still be eligible to apply for a commercial pilot certificate.
Other Considerations
Even if an individual is eligible to apply for a commercial pilot certificate with a felony conviction, they may still face additional hurdles:
- Background Check: The FAA conducts thorough background checks on all commercial pilot applicants, including a review of their criminal history.
- Character References: The FAA may request character references from the individual’s employer, friends, and family members to assess their character and fitness to hold a commercial pilot certificate.
- Medical Certificate: The FAA requires commercial pilots to hold a valid medical certificate, which includes a review of their mental and physical health. An individual with a felony conviction may face additional scrutiny during this process.
Consequences of a Felony Conviction
It’s essential to understand that a felony conviction can have significant consequences for an individual’s career as a pilot:
- Loss of Employment: Many airlines and aviation companies have strict policies regarding the hiring of individuals with felony convictions.
- Limited Career Opportunities: Even if an individual is able to obtain a commercial pilot certificate, they may face limited career opportunities due to their felony conviction.
- Stigma: A felony conviction can carry a significant stigma, which can impact an individual’s reputation and credibility in the aviation industry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while it is possible to become a pilot with a felony conviction, it is essential to understand the complex and nuanced regulations surrounding this issue. It is crucial to consult with the FAA and a qualified aviation attorney to determine eligibility and to navigate the application process.
Table: Summary of FAA Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Age | 18 years old or older |
| Language | Must be able to read, speak, write, and understand English |
| Driver’s License | Must hold a valid U.S. driver’s license |
| Medical Certificate | Must hold a valid third-class medical certificate |
| Commercial Pilot Certificate | Must hold a valid commercial pilot certificate |
| Private Pilot Certificate | Must meet requirements for a private pilot certificate |
Bullets: Key Takeaways
• The FAA prohibits individuals with a felony conviction from holding a commercial pilot certificate, except in specific circumstances.
• Pardons and expungements can make an individual eligible to apply for a commercial pilot certificate.
• Probation and specific felony convictions may also make an individual eligible to apply for a commercial pilot certificate.
• The FAA conducts thorough background checks and may request character references as part of the application process.
• A felony conviction can have significant consequences for an individual’s career as a pilot, including loss of employment and limited career opportunities.
