What are the disqualifiers for pilots?
Asked by: Kenyatta Pfeffer V | Last update: January 26, 2026Score: 4.5/5 (19 votes)
Pilot disqualifiers primarily involve serious medical issues (like certain heart conditions, psychosis, epilepsy, substance dependence) and significant legal problems (felonies, drug offenses, violent crimes), but can also include failing to meet vision/hearing standards or lacking required flight hours or age, though many conditions can be managed or overcome with special issuance or exemptions. The FAA and TSA https://www.tsa.gov/disqualifying-offenses-factors maintain lists of specific disqualifying conditions for medical and security reasons, respectively, but individual circumstances are reviewed.
What can disqualify you from being a pilot?
Pilots can be disqualified by serious medical issues (epilepsy, severe mental health disorders, uncontrolled diabetes, significant heart problems, certain vision/hearing loss), substance abuse (drugs, alcohol), and criminal history (especially felonies, DUI, or crimes involving aviation security), with the FAA evaluating each case for safety risks, though some conditions might be manageable with special waivers.
What is the 3 to 1 rule for pilots?
The 3:1 rule in aviation is a rule of thumb for descent planning, stating pilots should allow 3 nautical miles (NM) of horizontal distance for every 1,000 feet of altitude to lose, creating a standard ~3-degree descent path for passenger comfort and precise approach. To use it, divide your altitude to lose by 1,000, then multiply by 3 to find the distance to start descending; for example, losing 5,000 feet means starting 15 NM out (5 x 3). It's used for smooth descents and to align with airport Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) or Visual Approach Slope Indicators (VASI).
What disqualifies you from a FAA background check?
Be sure you have never been convicted of one of these disqualifying crimes:
- Forgery of certificates, false making of aircraft, and other aircraft registration violations.
- Interference with aircraft navigation.
- Improper transportation of a hazardous material.
- Aircraft piracy.
What keeps you from getting a pilot's license?
DUI or felony record, drug use, inability to pass a first class medical (if you want to fly commercially), and the inability to perform, be it with testing or on check rides. Some people just aren't cut out for it. And finally, you best have a passion for aviation, because that will carry you through the tough times.
Avoid This Mistake! | FAA Medical Certificates Explained
Who cannot become a pilot?
Unfortunately, some medical or health issues may cause you to fail the extensive medical examinations required to become a pilot. This includes certain heart diseases, conditions such as epilepsy, poor hearing, bad vision, and even common allergies, as certain allergy medications can make you drowsy.
Do pilots make $300 an hour?
Yes, senior captains at major airlines can make $300 an hour or significantly more, especially flying large international aircraft, but this is not the starting pay; junior first officers at regional airlines start much lower, around $30-$100/hour, with pay increasing significantly with experience, seniority, and aircraft size, plus benefits like per diem.
What is the hardest background check to pass?
The hardest background checks are typically US government security clearances (especially Top Secret/SCI) and those for high-level law enforcement, involving deep dives into criminal, financial (credit), employment, and personal history (interviews with associates) via extensive forms like the SF-86, far exceeding standard employment screening. These checks scrutinize all life aspects for integrity, reliability, and potential security risks, often requiring disclosure of past drug use, financial issues, and undisclosed criminal records, making them incredibly difficult to pass if issues exist.
How far back do pilot background checks go?
All airlines will administer a 10-year FBI background check. These cases are evaluated individually.
What looks bad on a background check?
Job-related criminal records are red flags because they reflect the relationship between the candidate's past behavior and the performance expected on the job. For instance, recent convictions for writing bad checks or theft are red flags for candidates applying for accounting positions.
What is the 8 hour rule for pilots?
Flight Duty Period (FDP) Explained
Single-Pilot Operations: Maximum FDP is generally 8 hours. Two-Pilot Operations: The FDP can extend up to 14 hours, depending on the start time. Rest Periods: A minimum rest period must occur before initiating the subsequent FDP, normally at least 10 consecutive hours.
What is the 90 second rule in aviation?
The 90-Second Rule That Saves Lives ⏱️ In aviation, every second counts — especially during an emergency. According to international certification standards, an aircraft must demonstrate it can be fully evacuated within 90 seconds, using only half of its exits.
Does toothpaste qualify as a liquid?
Yes, for travel security purposes (like the TSA), toothpaste is considered a gel or paste, falling under the "liquids, aerosols, and gels" (LAGs) rule, meaning containers must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller and fit in a single, clear, quart-sized bag for carry-on luggage. Scientifically, it's a non-Newtonian fluid or suspension, but for practical purposes, think of it as a liquid/gel.
What conditions mean you can't be a pilot?
Bipolar disorder, psychosis or a diagnosis of personality disorder. Drug abuse or alcohol misuse or addiction (or conviction for drink/drug driving) Being prescribed medication or treatment for angina or heart failure. Cardiac surgical procedures including cardiac device implantation.
Is it hard to get hired as a pilot?
Key Takeaways:
Airline pilot hiring has significantly slowed, making the application process much more competitive than in previous years. While official minimums may be 1,500 hours, competitive applicants often need 2,000+ hours, turbine experience, or even self-funded type ratings to stand out.
Can I be a pilot if I wear glasses?
Yes, you can wear glasses and be both an airline pilot and military pilot, you don't need to have perfect vision. There are many pilots who fly commercial jets and wear corrective lenses, it's not usually prohibitive.
What is a red flag in a background check?
Red flags on a background check are inconsistencies or negative findings like criminal history (especially violent or financial crimes), employment/education discrepancies (lying about degrees or dates), poor credit, failed drug tests, or unprofessional social media that raise concerns about a candidate's integrity, judgment, or suitability for a role. Major red flags include criminal records, dishonesty, financial irresponsibility (for financial roles), and substance abuse issues.
What will fail a federal background check?
Federal employment background checks disqualify candidates for issues like serious criminal history (especially felonies, treason, espionage), dishonesty (lying on applications), financial irresponsibility (major debt, loan defaults, tax issues), recent illegal drug use, and sometimes concerning foreign contacts or mental health conditions that affect job performance, with specific bans for severe offenses like domestic violence (affecting firearm possession) or terrorism. Disqualification depends on the job's sensitivity, with some crimes leading to permanent bans, while others are reviewed case-by-case.
What disqualifies you from an airline pilot background check?
An applicant will be disqualified if he or she was convicted, pled guilty (including 'no contest'), or found not guilty by reason of insanity for any of the following felonies regardless of when they occurred: Espionage or conspiracy to commit espionage. Sedition or conspiracy to commit sedition.
What will disqualify you on a background check?
Disqualifying offenses in background checks typically involve serious crimes like violent offenses (murder, assault, kidnapping), sexual offenses (child molestation, sexual assault), major drug felonies (trafficking, manufacturing), and financial crimes (fraud, money laundering), especially for roles involving vulnerable populations or federal security, but can also include poor credit, drug use, domestic violence, and inconsistent application info, depending on the job and state laws. Federal and state laws mandate disqualifications for specific offenses, while employers often have their own criteria, considering the nature, recency, and relevance of the offense to the job.
What is the biggest red flag to hear when being interviewed?
The biggest red flags in an interview involve toxic culture indicators like an interviewer badmouthing former employees, being rude or disrespectful (distracted, interrupting, condescending), or showing a lack of transparency about the role or company, often signaled by vague answers, high turnover, or pressure to accept quickly; these suggest a poor environment where you won't be valued or supported.
What makes a person fail a background check?
You fail a background check due to red flags like criminal history, lying on your application (education, job history), a failed drug test, a poor driving record, or issues like bad credit for finance roles, all of which signal a potential mismatch with the job's requirements or company standards. Other common reasons include unverifiable credentials, negative references, or even inconsistent personal identification details.
What pilots make $500,000 a year?
Pilots at major U.S. airlines like Delta, United, and American, specifically senior Captains flying wide-body international routes, can earn $500,000 or more annually through high hourly rates, overtime (often at 1.5x or 2x pay), significant profit sharing, and 401(k) contributions, with top earners potentially exceeding $700,000 by maximizing work and bonuses. This level of income requires significant seniority (often 10-20+ years) and a willingness to pick up extra trips, as base pay alone usually reaches $350k-$450k for the most experienced, with extras pushing it higher.
Is there a pilot shortage right now?
Although the number of global pilots has increased since the pandemic, the demand still outweighs the supply. Note: There are no reliable data for 2020-2021 when many pilots chose to retire. This graph of pilot shortage trends suggests what is yet to come: more pilots needed!
What is a pilot retirement age?
Right now, both the United States and ICAO, which is part of the United Nations and regulates international flights, require pilots to retire when they reach 65. Aviation unions have long opposed raising the age, citing safety concerns.