[sails.away]

My concern/question is regarding criminal background checks in the hiring process. I am currently in the US Navy and work as an aviation electrician. I am wanting to transition out after being in for 8 years. I am planning on finishing my PPL before i get out as well as a bachelors degree in aviation from Embry Riddle. I am considering going to a flight school for my commercial, ATP and all the others needed to start working my way up over a few years into a decent position at either a regional or a major eventually.

My issue is that I have a Class A Misdemeanor for assault and and a class B misdemeanor for possesion of a small amount of pot both from when I was a young buck. This problem has already made me adapt my future because it disqualifies me from alot of positions that I was interested in (ie.law enforcement) My concern is that even though it was over 13 years ago that it may still come back to haunt me after many years of training and money for flight school. I am capable of having the assault charge Sealed and therefore will not be visible to any agency aside from federal or law enforcement but that is an event in itself. Not to mention i have a flawless military record and am a decorated vet or the iraq war.

Please tell me something good and help me put my mind to rest so i can move ahead with my dream of flying.

[Aviation Interview Prep]

I agree I would want to research this prior to getting started in your career. Sorry for the late response I was out for a few days. I don't have an answer off the top of my head. If I were you I would see if the FAA will give you a medical and call a few regional or airlines and inquire. You can get a random sampling and see what the response is and also gauge their reaction to your question. You don’t need to provide your name but it will give you an idea if this is going to be a problem going forward. Best of luck!
-Andrew