Can I even be a pilot?

[Robert seymour]

So in 2016 I was arrested for a felony drug charge, but the charges were eventually dropped. Next year I am able to expunge the arrest on my record, I've talked to a few people they said it's extremely unlikely that I could be an airline pilot. Someone suggested I try to apply for a first class medical certificate and maybe look into cargo? Would it be possible or?

 

[Kenny Phillips]

Getting a medical certificate first is always a good idea; Dr. Bruce or Dr. Lou here on the forums may be able to help, you can get their info and get a consultation. Whether someone will hire you with the arrest on your record depend a whole bunch on the details.

 

[Stickman]

There is no difference in pilot requirements between passengers and cargo.

 

[Ravioli]

Which felony? Many of them would not require a showing of USE of a drug. If you were sober as a judge with 5 kilos in your car you may not have a medical issue. If you were coked out of your mind and driving on the sidewalk it would be a different series of questions.

Beyond the medical question there is the employment question. Are those questions based on "arrest" or "conviction"?

 

[Zeldman]

Airlines is not the only way to have a successful aviation career.

 

[Robert seymour]

Thanks for the insight, and it was a charge of importation.

 

[kayoh190]

If you really want to fly for a living, I'd go get your medical and start training. It might be a deal breaker for certain employers, but it won't be for everyone, and as @Zeldman said, there are a lot of good jobs out there that don't involve flying an airliner. Regardless, I'm not sure airline flying would be completely off the table.

 

[bbchien]

I have a guy who dealt drugs (2008) and went to club fed, He has a special issuance medical certificate (FIRST class). Beware, the Feds NEVER expunge ANYTHING. The application dos not say "is there record" of an offense, it sez, "was there ever". Lie on that, and you will never fly. Lot of hoops and expense and good behavior required.

 

[Clip4]

You will never get the record of the arrest expunged from the national database, but you also were never convicted. Thus you do not have a criminal record.

 

[bbchien]

You will never get the record of the arrest expunged from the national database, but you also were never convicted. Thus you do not have a criminal record.

Thanks, I missed that. (w) is the only part of item 18 that is about CONVICTION. If he was not convicted, the answer is "NO" and he is clear to go!!

 

[Clip4]

Thanks, I missed that. (w) is the only part of item 18 that is about CONVICTION. If he was not convicted, the answer is "NO" and he is clear to go!!

Except it is unlikely he wasn’t doing drugs too, which is another box.

 

[Robert seymour]

Never done drugs. Just needed money and being stupid. Take blood, hair,saliva lie detector I don't care. Never done them myself.

 

[Kenny Phillips]

Never done drugs. Just needed money and being stupid. Take blood, hair,saliva lie detector I don't care. Never done them myself.

You and John DeLorean.

 

[Ravioli]

Except it is unlikely he wasn’t doing drugs too, which is another box.

Which question covers the likelihood of drug use? I know there's one about EVER being arrested for... and one about EVER being convicted of... Please share the one on likelihood.

Never done drugs. Just needed money and being stupid. Take blood, hair,saliva lie detector I don't care. Never done them myself.

Don't protest too much. If, as you say, you have no arrests or convictions arising from the suspicion of USE of alcohol or a drug than you'll probably skate through the medical. Going so far as to say you were the squeaky clean drug mule that never touched the stuff but got caught up in a tough time is a bit too much.

You and John DeLorean.

Was DeLorean ever arrested on suspicion of use? I thought his charges were all possession based and were discovered in a purchasing sting, rather than arising from a motor vehicle action.

i know it's shocking... but not EVERYONE in the drug trade is Tony Montana, and not every bartender drinks.

 

[frfly172]

Go through the medical application,then decide if it’s worth it to go on.

 

[DutchRoller]

Thanks for the insight, and it was a charge of importation.

So you want to switch from ground to air freight?

 

[benyflyguy]

Except it is unlikely he wasn’t doing drugs too, which is another box.

One of Biggie Smalls 10 crack commandments was “you don’t get high on your own supply” I think it was number 4.
So he’s probably good right??

 

[lbfjrmd]

So in 2016 I was arrested for a felony drug charge, but the charges were eventually dropped. Next year I am able to expunge the arrest on my record, I've talked to a few people they said it's extremely unlikely that I could be an airline pilot. Someone suggested I try to apply for a first class medical certificate and maybe look into cargo? Would it be possible or?

Yes u can. Start with 3rd class, keep you nose clean and build your hours and ratings!

 

[Clip4]

One of Biggie Smalls 10 crack commandments was “you don’t get high on your own supply” I think it was number 4.
So he’s probably good right??

Yep, cause all drug salesman follow the Biggie Small model.