| Your worst nightmare as a pilot - a DUI. Will this end | | | | vehicle action". It lists the things you must submit to the |
| your career as a pilot? What if you are the lawyer | | | | FAA, Civil Action Security Division in Oklahoma City, |
| representing a pilot? Is this a simple DUI case or will it | | | | not your local FSDO. This is very serious as section (f) |
| end your law career with a malpractice lawsuit? I | | | | states "Failure to comply with paragraph (e) of this |
| know these questions can light up your eyes to why a | | | | section is grounds for . . .(2) Suspension or revocation |
| pilot is different when they get a DUI. | | | | of any certificate, rating, or authorization issued under |
| First, pilot or not, you have to follow your state laws. | | | | this part." |
| Keep in mind your time frame for appeals or | | | | In summary, what do you do? If you are convicted of |
| administrative hearings. You could probably get your | | | | a DUI/DWI, it must be reported on your medical |
| driver's license back under an occupational license | | | | application. You also have to notify the FAA in |
| during your suspension. Even if its your first offense, | | | | Oklahoma City within 60 days of the conviction. Do |
| you better be on your toes if you want to keep flying. | | | | NOT contact the local FSDO, as this is NOT |
| Second, pilots fall under another set of rules from the | | | | incompliance with the FARS. Do this quick or face a |
| FAA. They are the FARS (Federal Aviation | | | | suspension for a non-reporting violation. |
| Regulations). Do you have to report to the FAA now | | | | Drinking and Driving is bad. Drinking and flying is worse. |
| or later? Can I just put it on my FAA First Class | | | | Both can end careers, lives and marriages. They can |
| Medical Certificate? Can I just call the CFI (certified | | | | even take innocent victims. Also, if you have two |
| flight instructor) at the local FAA office FSDO (Flight | | | | separate incidents within a 3-year period, then the |
| Standards District Office)? | | | | FAA can deny an application or revoke/suspend a |
| Your most important resource (lawyer or pilot) is | | | | pilot's license. You can avoid all of this by not drinking |
| Section 61.15 of the FARS. Section (e) states that you | | | | and driving. |
| must report "not later than 60 days after the motor | | | | |