DWIs and Pilots - What You Need to Know

Every day, thousands of people get on airplanes withcharges are not required to be reported on the
the assumption that their pilot is sober. Fortunately, thismedical certificate forms, just convictions.
is true the majority of the time. Pilots, however, are notHowever, the FAA still has to be notified of the arrest
perfect and some do have drinking problems. Becauseand any DWI charges. This must be done through a
they are entrusted with the lives of others soreport that must include a variety of things. These
frequently, there are strict regulations regarding pilotsthings include:
and DWIs.· The pilot's name, address, date of birth,
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is theairman certificate number
organization in charge of governing not just the· The type of violation that resulted in the
inspection of airplanes but also the punishment andconviction or any administrative action
licensing of pilots. To govern pilots, they have the· The date of the conviction or administrative
Federal Aviation Regulations. These are a set of rulesaction
that are frequently referred to as the FARS.· The State which holds the record of the
As a basic, there are three types of medicalconviction or administrative action
certificates. A pilot must have a valid, current medical· A statement as to whether the motor vehicle
certificate in order to fly. The certificates are arrangedaction resulted from the same incident or arose out of
by class, First, Second, and Third. First Classthe same factual circumstances related to a previously
certificates are good for six months and then the pilotreported motor vehicle action
needs to receive a new one. Second ClassIf this report is not filed with the FAA, the FAA can
certificates are good for twelve months before theysuspend or revoke any certificate, rating, or
need to be replaced. Third Class certificates are goodauthorization issued by the organization. The pilot has
for twenty four months before they need to be60 days from after a driver's license is suspended to
renewed.notify the FAA.
Whenever a pilot goes to renew his or her medicalWhile these rules hold true for the FAA, the pilot's
certificate, there is a blank on the application form foremployer may have different rules concerning DWIs. It
the pilot to mention or report any DWI convictions. DWIis important to be aware of those rules as well.