What Happens When A Pilot Gets A Dui/dwi? By Stuart Simpson collects information on DUI and DWI at:, Thu Dec 8th
Your worst nightmare as a pilot - a DUI. Will this end yourcareer as a pilot? What if you are the lawyer representing apilot? Is this a simple case or will it end your law careerwith a malpractice lawsuit? I know these questions can light upyour eyes to why a pilot is different when they get a DUI.
First, pilot or not, you have to follow your state laws. Keep inmind your time frame for appeals or administrative hearings. Youcould probably get your driver's license back under anoccupational license during your suspension. Even if its yourfirst offense, you better be on your toes if you want to keepflying.
Second, pilots fall under another set of rules from the FAA.They are the FARS (Federal Aviation Regulations). Do you have toreport to the FAA now or later? Can I just put it on my FAAFirst Class Medical Certificate? Can I just call the CFI(certified flight instructor) at the local FAA office FSDO(Flight Standards District Office)?
Your most important resource (lawyer or pilot) is Section 61.15of the FARS. Section (e) states that
you must report "not laterthan 60 days after the motor vehicle action". It lists thethings you must submit to the FAA, Civil Action SecurityDivision in Oklahoma City, not your local FSDO. This is veryserious as section (f) states "Failure to comply with paragraph(e) of this section is grounds for . . .(2) Suspension orrevocation of any certificate, rating, or authorization issuedunder this part."
In summary, what do you do? If you are convicted of a DUI/DWI,it must be reported on your medical application. You also haveto notify the FAA in Oklahoma City within 60 days of theconviction. Do NOT contact the local FSDO, as this is NOTincompliance with the FARS. Do this quick or face a suspensionfor a non-reporting violation.
Drinking and Driving is bad. Drinking and flying is worse. Bothcan end careers, lives and marriages. They can even takeinnocent victims. Also, if you have two separate incidentswithin a 3-year period, then the FAA can deny an application orrevoke/suspend a pilot's license. You can avoid all of this bynot drinking and driving.
About the author:Stuart Simpson collects information on and DWI at:
http://www.dwi-dui-attorney.com/
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