Can a felon work for FAA?

Asked by: Mrs. Calista Langosh  |  Last update: March 3, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (43 votes)

You can get a FAA certificate if you have a felony conviction, unless the conviction is for a drug or alcohol related offense. In that case, you cannot apply for a certificate for up to one year after your final conviction.

What disqualifies you from a FAA background check?

PERMANENT DISQUALIFYING CRIMINAL OFFENSES
  • Espionage or conspiracy to commit espionage.
  • Sedition or conspiracy to commit sedition.
  • Treason or conspiracy to commit treason.
  • A federal crime of terrorism as defined in 18 U.S.C. ...
  • A crime involving a TSI (transportation security incident).

Do airlines hire pilots with felonies?

Although felons are not strictly barred from becoming pilots, the FAA has leeway in denying licensing. Good moral character is an expected character trait of pilots. If you are unsure about your felony conviction, contact the FAA.

What does the FAA look for in a background check?

EMPLOYER PROTECTION BACKGROUND CHECK PACKAGE Includes:

Social Security Number Verification that applicant name matches verified social security number. Address History for past 7 years. County Level Criminal Record This fee will cover 90% of workers.

Can you fly as a convicted felon?

Can Convicted Felons Travel? Yes, but it depends on your country of citizenship. If you're a US citizen, then yes. You can travel to most countries worldwide as long as you have a passport and a visa (if necessary).

The Countries I can (and can't) travel to with a Criminal Record

38 related questions found

Does the FAA hire felons?

You can get a FAA certificate if you have a felony conviction, unless the conviction is for a drug or alcohol related offense. In that case, you cannot apply for a certificate for up to one year after your final conviction.

Can a felon get a passport after 7 years?

For some crimes like drug trafficking, a 5-10 year waiting period may be required before getting a passport. This allows for a “cooling off” period to elapse. Other felony convictions don't have defined waiting periods. But typically, the longer it's been since finishing your sentence, the better chances of approval.

How far back do FAA criminal background checks go?

Since the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) doesn't go back a specific number of years when conducting background checks, a DUI over 10 years ago may make an FAA medical certificate harder to get.

Can FAA see expunged records?

Thus, agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), for example, will most likely still be able to see your expunged records.

What disqualifies you from working at the airport?

The FAA has a lengthy list of disqualifying crimes. Such convictions include murder, forgery, armed robbery, extortion, or illegal drug distribution. If the background check returns any of these convictions, the applicant will not move forward.

What are the disqualifiers for pilots?

What medical conditions does the FAA consider disqualifying?
  • Angina pectoris.
  • Bipolar disease.
  • Cardiac valve replacement.
  • Coronary heart disease that has been treated or, if untreated, that has been symptomatic or clinically significant.
  • Diabetes mellitus requiring hypoglycemic medications.

Can a convicted felon be a flight attendant?

If there was a felony conviction within the past five years or if there was more than one felony, someone will not be eligible to become a flight attendant. Depending on the crime and whether it was the only one of its sort that you have been convicted of, you might be able to wipe your record clean.

Do airlines check for felony warrants?

Yes, you can technically fly with a bench warrant, especially on domestic flights, as the TSA does not specifically check for warrants.

Does TSA hire felons?

Hiring With the TSA

They will also look at any criminal convictions. You may be disqualified from working for the TSA for a period of time or permanently, depending on the crime you were convicted of or whether you are wanted or indicted for a felony.

What is a disqualifying felony?

"Disqualifying offense" means a conviction for: Any offense that is a felony; a sex offense as defined in this section; a crime against children or persons as defined in RCW 43.43.

How strict is the FAA?

The FAA has the world's strictest qualifications for airline pilots and virtually all new applicants are required to possess a minimum of 1,500 hours of flight experience.

What shows up on a FAA background check?

Requirements for aviation background checks
  • Identity verification. ...
  • Criminal history check. ...
  • Employment and education verification. ...
  • Financial history check. ...
  • Security clearances. ...
  • Application and consent. ...
  • Information gathering. ...
  • Verification and investigation.

How far back do airlines check pilot records?

Under PRIA, a commercial air carrier cannot allow a pilot to conduct flights until it obtains and reviews the last 5 years of the pilot's background and safety records.

How far back is the background check for Global Entry?

The background check is an essential step in maintaining the program's integrity and ensuring the safety of all participants. Now, let's address the primary question: how far back does Global Entry background check go? The background check typically covers the past 10 years of an applicant's history.

How far back does a federal criminal background check go?

In states like California, criminal background checks go back seven years. However, some states allow a deeper look into your past if the job pays a higher salary (usually over $75,000). Some government jobs or jobs with access to sensitive information may allow - even require - background checks further.

What disqualifies you from a federal background check?

Several factors might disqualify an individual from passing a federal background check, including: Felony Convictions. A felony record is a significant red flag for federal employment and some high-level civilian jobs. Some exceptions exist based on the nature of the offense and the time elapsed since the conviction.

How far back does the FAA check for DUI?

There is no time limit when it comes to FAA background checks. They can review your entire criminal and driving history. You are required to report ALL alcohol-related offenses on your medical certificate application, regardless of how long ago they occurred.

Can a convicted felon go on a cruise?

Yes. As mentioned above, Carnival Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruises and others carry out background checks on guests through consumer reporting agencies prior to boarding. Cruisers would not usually be denied entry to the cruise unless they had been convicted of violent crimes such as physical and/or sexual assault.

Can a felon join the military?

Generally, felons and those with several convictions can't join the Army, but waivers are available in some cases. The offenses and moral behavior-related issues that cannot be waived include: If you are under civil restraint, including parole, confinement, or probation.

Can felons go to Mexico?

According to the State Department, “Mexican law permits Mexican immigration authorities to deny foreigners entry into Mexico if they have been charged with or convicted of a serious crime in Mexico or elsewhere.”