The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must keep pilots safe as well as check that pilots will not engage in behavior that will endanger themselves, airline passengers, or members of the public. Airlines have a duty to investigate pilots and determine if they will potentially subject the airline to liability. Any pilot who wants to fly for a commercial airline may have their career plans derailed if they are convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol.
If you want to learn more about the complexity of DUI laws in California, then you need to speak to a DUI lawyer in Los Angeles. It is imperative that you seek legal counsel if you are worried about a DUI conviction affecting your aviation career. The more information you have about DUI laws in California, the more prepared you will be to assist your lawyer with your defense.
The Federal Aviation Commission (FFA) and DUI History Checks
An individual’s entire driving history is examined when they aspire to become a pilot. The medical application requires applicants to submit the following information:
- Arrests, convictions, or other administrative actions for other incidents giving rise to the suspension or revocation of driving privileges or that required your mandatory attendance in a substance use education or rehabilitation program.
- Convictions or arrests for drug or alcohol-related crimes, which include DUIs.
You may need to speak to a DUI lawyer so you can make the best decision regarding your future career aspirations. It can be difficult to know where to turn after you are arrested for driving under the influence. The sooner you reach an attorney, the sooner you can begin discovering which legal options are available to you.
The Federal Aviation Administration and DUI History
You may have a pilot’s license but find yourself involved in an incident involving alcohol or drug use. If this is the case, then you need to report administrative actions. These may include the cancellation, revocation, or suspension of your driver’s license. You also must report ten-day civil revocations as well as express consent or administrative per se orders.
The individual must submit this information within sixty days of the date of the incident. Making sure to report this information is essential if you want to keep your license. Attempting to hide convictions or not report this information will have severe consequences.
Medical Recertification and DUI History
All airline pilots must be medically recertified during their aviation careers. Any DUI arrest or conviction may affect this recertification process. All certifications are good from six months to sixty months, depending on the class of the certificate.
A class refers to the level of the airline pilot’s responsibilities. This determines how many passengers the pilot can transport and whether the pilot can transport cargo. These factors can have an important effect on your DUI case.
The factors considered in the medical application include the level of substance abuse treatment, the presence of dependency, whether there was a refusal to provide a breath or blood sample and the total number of DUI offenses. These factors are considered on a case-by-case basis, and sometimes, the applicant is subject to further scrutiny.
DUI History and Federal Aviation Administration Medical Clearance
All pilots must acquire a medical clearance from an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). The comprehensive medical examination includes a thorough analysis of the applicant’s driving history. Every applicant must report any DUI arrests or convictions to the Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).
It is possible that an application will be rejected or delayed if an applicant has a DUI conviction on their record. The applicant must prove to the Aviation Medical Examiner that they do not have a substance abuse problem and have done everything in their power to recover. Sometimes, the Aviation Medical Examiner will defer the application to the Federal Aviation Administration.
Providing Documentation to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
One important aspect of your application is making sure that you submit all the required documents to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Being thorough, precise, and detailed when you provide the documents will help you avoid experiencing delays in processing your case. You should spend enough time organizing your documents so that they can be submitted to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as one package.
Also, you may be asked to write a statement, such as a “statement of use,” regarding your use of alcohol in the past. If you need to provide additional documents, you can always review them with an attorney who can help you assemble the documents you need for your application. Understanding the gravity of the situation will help you take the time you need to make sure your documents are assembled in an orderly fashion.
A DUI Does Not Have to Be the End of Your Aviation Career
You do not have to let a DUI arrest or conviction cause you to give up on your aviation career. It is possible that you have not become a pilot, but you are worried about the effect a DUI conviction will have on your application. You can consult with a DUI lawyer to ensure that you are aware of your legal rights.
Working with an attorney can help you understand the relevant factors that can influence how the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) views your arrest or conviction. The more proactive you are during this time period, the more likely it will be that you can move on with your life and achieve your goals.
We Are Here When You Need a DUI Attorney in Los Angeles
Sometimes, it can seem impossible to know which step to take after being arrested or convicted for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It is possible that you will need to take significant steps to have your DUI case dismissed. If you want to know more about how a DUI attorney can help you, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
You do not have to lose your career due to one single mistake. Our attorneys have years of experience helping clients who were arrested for DUI. We can do everything within our power to make sure that you can move on with your life after a DUI conviction.
