What are the rules regarding a DUI conviction or FAA rules as to Airline Pilots?
Commercial Pilots (including ATP license holders) who are convicted (not simply arrested for) DUI / DWI must report that conviction on his or her medical application at time of renewal. He or she must also notify the FAA Civil Security Division, at the following address ONLY:
FAA, Civil Action Security Division (AMC-700)
P.O. Box 25810, Oklahoma City, OK 73125
They must be notified no later than 60 days after the motor vehicle action. Contacting the local FAA FSDO, or the disclosure on the medical certificate, is not compliance under the rule. A pilot must also report any action taken on his driver's license that emanated from the drunk driving arrest, i.e., a suspension for either failing the breath / blood alcohol test or for refusing a test. This report, too, is made to the FAA Oklahoma Office Civil Security Division and must be made within 60 days of the suspension. In cases where a pilot suffers both a DUI / DWI conviction as well as an administrative license suspension that arose out of the same factual circumstances, he must timely report both of them to the Security Division or face a non-reporting violation. (Note, however, that only one of the two reports can be used for suspension/revocation purposes under FAR 61.15 (d), i.e., the FAA needs 2 separate incidents within a 3 year period to deny an application or suspend/revoke a pilot license.
We have a former pilot on staff and can help you through this maze and protect your license. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), also has a pilot assistance hotline for members at 1-800-USA-AOPA (1-800-872-2572) and a web site with more information (AOPA).
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