What Happens Once
a Pilot gets a DUI/DWI?
by:
Stuart Simpson
Your worst nightmare as a pilot – a DUI. Wish this end your career as a pilot? What if you are the professional person
representing a pilot? Is this a simple DUI case or wish it end your law career with a malpractice lawsuit? I cognize these questions can light up your eyes to why a pilot is some once
they get a DUI.
First, pilot or not, you have to follow your state laws. Support in mind your time frame for appeals or body
hearings. You could probably get your driver’s license back under an activity
license during your suspension. Even as if its your 1st offense, you better be on your toes if you want to support flying.
Second, pilots fall under another set of rules from the FAA. They are the FARS (Federal Aviation Regulations). Do you have to report to the FAA now or later? Can I simply put it on my FAA 1st Class Medical Certificate? Can I simply 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 61.15 of the FARS. Section (e) states that you must report “not later than 60 days after the motor vehicle action”. It lists the things you must submit to the FAA, Civil Action Safety Division in Sooner state
City, not your local FSDO. This is really serious as section (f) states “Failure to obey
with paragraph (e) of this section is grounds for . . .(2) Suspension or revocation of any certificate, rating, or authorization issued under this part.”
In summary, what do you do? If you are condemned of a DUI/DWI, it must be rumored
on your medical application. You likewise have to apprize the FAA in Sooner state
City inside
60 days of the conviction. Do NOT contact the local FSDO, as this is NOT incompliance with the FARS. Do this quick or face a suspension for a non-reporting violation.
Drinking and Drive is bad. Drinking and flying is worse. Some
can end careers, lives and marriages. They can even as take innocent victims. Also, if you have two separate incidents inside
a 3-year period, then the FAA can deny an application or revoke/suspend a pilot’s license. You can avoid all of this by not drinking and driving.
About The Author
Stuart Simpson collects information on DUI and DWI at:
http://www.dwi-dui-attorney.com/
