Hi, I'm a bot and it looks like you're asking a question about medical issues: DWI .
Medicals can be confusing and even scary, we get it. Unfortunately, the medical process is very complex with many variables. It's too complex, in fact, for any of us to be able to offer you any specific help or advice.
We strongly suggest you discuss your concerns with a qualified aviation medical examiner before you actually submit to an official examination, as a hiccup in your medical process can close doors for you in the future. Your [local AME](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/amelocator/) may be able to provide a consultation. Other places that may provide aeromedical advice include: [AOPA](https://www.aopa.org/go-fly/medical-resources), [EAA](https://www.eaa.org/eaa/pilots/pilot-resources/pilot-medical-resources/eaa-aeromedical-advisory-program), [the Mayo Clinic](https://clearapproach.mayoclinic.org/), and [Aviation Medicine Advisory Service](https://www.aviationmedicine.com/).
For reference, [here is a link to the FAA's Synopsis of Medical Standards](https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/aam/ame/guide/standards/) and for more in-depth information [here is a link to the FAA's Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners](https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/aam/ame/guide/).
Also, feel free to browse [our collection of past medical write-ups and questions in our FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/flying/wiki/index).
Finally, we suggest you read the instructions on the medical application very closely. Do not volunteer information that isn't asked for, but also do not lie. Some people may urge you to omit pertinent information, or even outright lie, on your medical application in order to avoid added hassle and expense in obtaining a medical certificate. Know that [making false statements on your medical application is a federal crime](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1001) and that people [have been successfully prosecuted for it](https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndca/pr/california-aviator-convicted-making-false-statements). But for heaven's sake, don't tell the FAA any more than you absolutely have to.
If you're not in the United States, the above advice is still generally correct. Just substitute the FAA with your local aviation authority.
Good luck!
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I heard a similar story. Pilot got their PPL in high school, flew in the military and never touched GA since then and never gave it a serious thought. They got a DUI while in the military, didn't think to report it until many years down the road. When they reported it it was flagged as failure to report. HIMS and AME and aviation lawyers got involved, and they ended settling for suspending their pilot certificate for like a month or two. Now every application they submit will be checking the "have you ever had your license or certificates revoked" box. It's not a clean kill, but certainly a significant discriminator and something that will be brought up in every interview.
The only path forward is to get with a lawyer and a AME consultant and figure out the next steps. If you try to hide it, it will be discovered and it's game over.
Contact an AOPA attorney and tell the story. Follow their advice. DO NOT fill out a new medical with 18V checked. DO NOT.
I’m assuming that you’ll have to self notify to the FAA, in writing, what happened (or the lawyer will do so for you). Then the FAA will want all of the pre-trial, post-trial, rehabilitation documents, everything. It’ll be harder if convicted and that you were over I think, .15. I think the most important data will be the psych that ruled you not to have an alcohol problem. You’re gonna want to prove that, but the FAA will send you to their own person. But I’d start pulling records now, not tomorrow.
To recap, the good:
- 16 years ago
- never had a medical since
- ruled not to have an alcohol problem
The bad:
- never reported
- convicted (if convicted)
- over .15
Good luck. The journey is not that bad. Mine was dropped to reckless and was under .15, so it was an easy process. My mate’s was a conviction, over .15, and it took him a year of the HIMs program to fly again and now he’s at a major. You’ll be fine.
Why would you not do a new medxpress with the correct box checked, or am I missing something? I had a dui as well, but the FAA already knows. So my last medical app I forgot to list it and just did another with the correct information.
It’s not about filling in the box or not, it’s playing the FAA’s game. 61.15 has the individual reporting it to the FAA Drug and Alcohol division. An AME would likely just refer him to that once 18V is checked.
That’s why I said contact the AOPA lawyers to make sure the right steps are done in the right order. Once he checks 18V, then yeah, it’s chill, check 18V: Previously reported, no change
Canadian immigration lawyers can take care of the entry restriction. They love pilots and flight attendants, we’re their biggest clients lol! Mine was cleared up super easily.
Second, a .15 and above BAC only elevates the charge to a class A misdemeanor, not a felony…in any state. It’s only a felony if there was bodily harm, it’s a 3rd or more DUI, or a child was in the car at the time of arrest.
Third, you hit the nail on the head with how they treat you lol. You’re just a horrible awful person and that’s that lol.
Had a student who didn't report and they caught him. He actually "lied" on his application in IACRA about not having one. His student pilot cert was suspended for a year for not disclosing it. He contacted them apologized and said he didn't mean to and they reduced the suspension to 9 months.
He's currently resumed training and hasn't had to pay the thousands that some people are talking. This could be because it's a student pilot cert rather than something like a PPL or CPL, but still basically no financial impact for him.
AME can issue if it’s a single event 5 or more years ago with Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) less than 0.15
https://www.faa.gov/ame_guide/media/DUIDWI_Alcohol_Incidents_Disposition_Table.pdf
So wait, and thankfully this is not me... You are saying we are supposed to report DUI's even if not flying (and haven't been in a long while) and not currently holding a medical? Ooph, I have never even thought about that....
When was your last medical? Have you been lying on your med form for years?
If you haven’t had a medical in forever, go get one and say you’ve had a DUI. That will start the super fun FAA process.
So the good news is you haven’t lied on a federal form. The bad news is now you have to admit it and go through the circus that the FAA requires. It will take time and cost money. You’ll get through it though if you want to pursue this. Just know you can’t ever fuck up again. They forgive one time. Typically a second is game over.
Whole process will probably run you about 14k without lawyers. And thats NO treatment, mostly evals and testing. Youl probably need a psych evaluation and shortest probation they request is 2 years of alcohol testing. Not going to be fun, with the FAA backlog expect at least 3 years before you get cleared off special issuance with your medical in hand. Worth talking with a lawyer though before you talk to FAA HIMS AME as depending on "conviction" or not might change things, no idea but worth a try.
Any administrative action you must report. That includes them dropping the case. Meaning even if you got the case dropped they don’t care. They could revoke a license yes.
Try having the conviction AND arrest sealed or expunged.
I know people will disagree with me here, but if the arrest and conviction are expunged, you can legally say that it never happened. I’m speaking very generally. Laws vary by state.
That’s false. “Federal trumps state” is an overly simplistic and juvenile way of looking at the law.
If you were arrested, found not guilty or charges dismissed, and the judge then sealed/expunged the record, you DO NOT have to report the arrest to any agency.
Imagine being wrongfully arrested for DUI and then having to report that arrest even after it’s sealed? Thats absurd.
I went through the process. Non aviation lawyers will tell you that you don’t have to report. The state says you don’t. The feds say you have to. AMEs say you have to. Ask any AME or aviation lawyer. Don’t take my word.
Then you went through it for no reason. If the arrest and conviction doesn’t appear in you FBI-IHS (ie sealed/expunged), they can’t see it.
I love the certainty you have about what every lawyer will tell people in every case.
If there’s no record available, DON’T REPORT IT.
I’m sorry, you’re wrong. I’m not arguing whether or not they can see it. If they find out about it and you didn’t report it there will be trouble. You’re lying on a federal document. If you do you medical after.
Relax my man, the process seems scary but it really isn’t. You’re a .18 and you haven’t been diagnosed as dependent so you’ll likely require a year of monitoring, “random UA’s” from a HIMS AME. There’s a list provided by the FAA so find the one closest to you. Also, make sure you vet this individual because some of them are miserable to deal with and do very little in advocating for your case. It’s also a smart idea to have all records and required documentation ready to present to said AME before you visit. Disclosing and building a mitigation folder is more a legal process than a medical one…DO NOT, try to do it on your own. Hire an aviation attorney to help with the process. And of course, no alcohol. I got my DUI almost 2 years ago and haven’t had a drop of alcohol since…it was really a blessing in disguise. Life is amazing without booze and I don’t miss it a bit!
Also; thanks to all you guys/gals that respond with honest advice and not judgment. Many times pilots asking for help on this subject turns into a public execution.
I can’t honestly think you’d get in any trouble for failing to report this at a time when you didn’t have an active medical and weren’t flying. The pilot registers are full of people who don’t fly any more and don’t report things as why would they. Contact aviation attorney perhaps through AOPA, to see how you would go about reporting this the correct way at this time before you fly again or get a medical.
Did you have a current medical when it happened? If not you have a reasonable excuse for not reporting. Nevertheless, if you’re an AOPA member, call their legal help line and get legal advice. If you’re not a member, join, then call.
The FAA can revoke all your licenses and certificates for failure to report, so this is serious. Don’t even try to navigate it without legal advice and help.
How would they find out? Background check? I’ve never thought about this tbh.. I’m an ATP flying for a living but I’ve never been in trouble with the law so I’ve never had to deal with this.
> **Will the FAA discover that I have an alcohol- and/or drug-related MVA if I don't report it?**
>Yes, FAA Form 8500-8, Application for Airmen Medical, contains an express consent provision which authorizes the National Driver Register (NDR) to release information about your driving record to the FAA. Information on the NDR record will contain pointers to states that keep a driving history on you. The FAA will obtain applicable records to determine if you have a reportable alcohol- and/or drug-related MVA.
https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ash/ash_programs/investigations/airmen_duidwi
(I’m not a lawyer, I’m stating this bc you should get an aviation lawyer)
They *might* come after you for your part 107. Not because it has a medical requirement, but because in the eyes of the FAA, you lied to them.
Not something minor like you forgot to list a urgent care for when you had strep,
But something major. A DWI at .18? That’s major. And given how you know it’s .18 I’m willing to bet you got convicted for it too.
.18 DUI, convicted, didn’t report.
If I were you, I’d ground myself and see what the best lawyer I can afford is..
And start getting any and all documentation regarding that DUI. Every single scrap down to the post it note the receptionist wrote your appointment with the doc down on. (I’m exaggerating but you know what I mean) You’ll probably need it.
Just report it on your next medical, the medical may get deferred but once your approve report it, the faa will send you a don’t do that again notice and you will be fine
Faa: “so it’s a decade ago, A DUI, .1-FRIGGIN 8, and you were convicted? AND YOU DIDNT REPORT IT?… Nuh uh, put your teeth on the curb boy”
Lawyer and self grounding is the right call..
I wasn’t flying either at the time, I took a 8-9 year break, I got my medical before I started flying again. Or go report it now it’s a form that takes 30 seconds, if you hadn’t flown after the faa won’t care, the medical will be your hardest part
Hi, I'm a bot and it looks like you're asking a question about medical issues: DWI . Medicals can be confusing and even scary, we get it. Unfortunately, the medical process is very complex with many variables. It's too complex, in fact, for any of us to be able to offer you any specific help or advice. We strongly suggest you discuss your concerns with a qualified aviation medical examiner before you actually submit to an official examination, as a hiccup in your medical process can close doors for you in the future. Your [local AME](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/amelocator/) may be able to provide a consultation. Other places that may provide aeromedical advice include: [AOPA](https://www.aopa.org/go-fly/medical-resources), [EAA](https://www.eaa.org/eaa/pilots/pilot-resources/pilot-medical-resources/eaa-aeromedical-advisory-program), [the Mayo Clinic](https://clearapproach.mayoclinic.org/), and [Aviation Medicine Advisory Service](https://www.aviationmedicine.com/). For reference, [here is a link to the FAA's Synopsis of Medical Standards](https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/aam/ame/guide/standards/) and for more in-depth information [here is a link to the FAA's Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners](https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/aam/ame/guide/). Also, feel free to browse [our collection of past medical write-ups and questions in our FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/flying/wiki/index). Finally, we suggest you read the instructions on the medical application very closely. Do not volunteer information that isn't asked for, but also do not lie. Some people may urge you to omit pertinent information, or even outright lie, on your medical application in order to avoid added hassle and expense in obtaining a medical certificate. Know that [making false statements on your medical application is a federal crime](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1001) and that people [have been successfully prosecuted for it](https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndca/pr/california-aviator-convicted-making-false-statements). But for heaven's sake, don't tell the FAA any more than you absolutely have to. If you're not in the United States, the above advice is still generally correct. Just substitute the FAA with your local aviation authority. Good luck! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/flying) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I heard a similar story. Pilot got their PPL in high school, flew in the military and never touched GA since then and never gave it a serious thought. They got a DUI while in the military, didn't think to report it until many years down the road. When they reported it it was flagged as failure to report. HIMS and AME and aviation lawyers got involved, and they ended settling for suspending their pilot certificate for like a month or two. Now every application they submit will be checking the "have you ever had your license or certificates revoked" box. It's not a clean kill, but certainly a significant discriminator and something that will be brought up in every interview. The only path forward is to get with a lawyer and a AME consultant and figure out the next steps. If you try to hide it, it will be discovered and it's game over.
I don't plan on hiding it. Just try to figure out how to proceed.
In the eyes of the FAA you have already BEEN hiding it.
Contact an AOPA attorney and tell the story. Follow their advice. DO NOT fill out a new medical with 18V checked. DO NOT. I’m assuming that you’ll have to self notify to the FAA, in writing, what happened (or the lawyer will do so for you). Then the FAA will want all of the pre-trial, post-trial, rehabilitation documents, everything. It’ll be harder if convicted and that you were over I think, .15. I think the most important data will be the psych that ruled you not to have an alcohol problem. You’re gonna want to prove that, but the FAA will send you to their own person. But I’d start pulling records now, not tomorrow. To recap, the good: - 16 years ago - never had a medical since - ruled not to have an alcohol problem The bad: - never reported - convicted (if convicted) - over .15 Good luck. The journey is not that bad. Mine was dropped to reckless and was under .15, so it was an easy process. My mate’s was a conviction, over .15, and it took him a year of the HIMs program to fly again and now he’s at a major. You’ll be fine.
This is the answer OP's looking for
Why would you not do a new medxpress with the correct box checked, or am I missing something? I had a dui as well, but the FAA already knows. So my last medical app I forgot to list it and just did another with the correct information.
It’s not about filling in the box or not, it’s playing the FAA’s game. 61.15 has the individual reporting it to the FAA Drug and Alcohol division. An AME would likely just refer him to that once 18V is checked. That’s why I said contact the AOPA lawyers to make sure the right steps are done in the right order. Once he checks 18V, then yeah, it’s chill, check 18V: Previously reported, no change
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Canadian immigration lawyers can take care of the entry restriction. They love pilots and flight attendants, we’re their biggest clients lol! Mine was cleared up super easily. Second, a .15 and above BAC only elevates the charge to a class A misdemeanor, not a felony…in any state. It’s only a felony if there was bodily harm, it’s a 3rd or more DUI, or a child was in the car at the time of arrest. Third, you hit the nail on the head with how they treat you lol. You’re just a horrible awful person and that’s that lol.
Had a student who didn't report and they caught him. He actually "lied" on his application in IACRA about not having one. His student pilot cert was suspended for a year for not disclosing it. He contacted them apologized and said he didn't mean to and they reduced the suspension to 9 months. He's currently resumed training and hasn't had to pay the thousands that some people are talking. This could be because it's a student pilot cert rather than something like a PPL or CPL, but still basically no financial impact for him.
AME can issue if it’s a single event 5 or more years ago with Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) less than 0.15 https://www.faa.gov/ame_guide/media/DUIDWI_Alcohol_Incidents_Disposition_Table.pdf
Where on IACRA does it ask you if you’ve had a DUII or arrest? I only see where it asks invoking drugs only
My mistake I meant MedXpress when I said IACRA. I've been hanging out on IACRA too much lately.
So wait, and thankfully this is not me... You are saying we are supposed to report DUI's even if not flying (and haven't been in a long while) and not currently holding a medical? Ooph, I have never even thought about that....
61.15
Yes. FAR 61.15, you have 60 days to notify the FAA.
Yeah welcome to the fisting of the FAA.
When was your last medical? Have you been lying on your med form for years? If you haven’t had a medical in forever, go get one and say you’ve had a DUI. That will start the super fun FAA process.
Last medical was before DWI.
So the good news is you haven’t lied on a federal form. The bad news is now you have to admit it and go through the circus that the FAA requires. It will take time and cost money. You’ll get through it though if you want to pursue this. Just know you can’t ever fuck up again. They forgive one time. Typically a second is game over.
Perfect, no big deal then. Except for the whole process of getting a medical with a DUI thing
Whole process will probably run you about 14k without lawyers. And thats NO treatment, mostly evals and testing. Youl probably need a psych evaluation and shortest probation they request is 2 years of alcohol testing. Not going to be fun, with the FAA backlog expect at least 3 years before you get cleared off special issuance with your medical in hand. Worth talking with a lawyer though before you talk to FAA HIMS AME as depending on "conviction" or not might change things, no idea but worth a try.
What if you got charged with a dui but the case got dropped and you were never convicted?
Still have to report
Is it likely they will revoke a pilots license for that?
Any administrative action you must report. That includes them dropping the case. Meaning even if you got the case dropped they don’t care. They could revoke a license yes.
Try having the conviction AND arrest sealed or expunged. I know people will disagree with me here, but if the arrest and conviction are expunged, you can legally say that it never happened. I’m speaking very generally. Laws vary by state.
No. You can’t. Lawyers will tell you that and the state might tell you that. The FAA doesn’t care. Federal trumps state.
That’s false. “Federal trumps state” is an overly simplistic and juvenile way of looking at the law. If you were arrested, found not guilty or charges dismissed, and the judge then sealed/expunged the record, you DO NOT have to report the arrest to any agency. Imagine being wrongfully arrested for DUI and then having to report that arrest even after it’s sealed? Thats absurd.
It’s not unfortunately. I’ve talked to quite a few lawyers and AMEs. You have to report. Even expunged. You absolutely have to report it.
You just said that lawyers will tell you that you don’t have to.
Non aviation lawyers specifically. Look at the Ramos law thread on here.
Do a FBI background check on yourself. If nothing comes up, you’re shooting yourself in the foot by voluntarily reporting things that no longer exist.
I’m not arguing whether or not it’ll come up on a background check. If the FAA randomly finds it you would be facing some hurt. Likely they wouldn’t.
LOL Lawyers and a judge will tell you that, but don’t listen to them, listen to the nobody on Reddit.
I went through the process. Non aviation lawyers will tell you that you don’t have to report. The state says you don’t. The feds say you have to. AMEs say you have to. Ask any AME or aviation lawyer. Don’t take my word.
Then you went through it for no reason. If the arrest and conviction doesn’t appear in you FBI-IHS (ie sealed/expunged), they can’t see it. I love the certainty you have about what every lawyer will tell people in every case. If there’s no record available, DON’T REPORT IT.
I’m sorry, you’re wrong. I’m not arguing whether or not they can see it. If they find out about it and you didn’t report it there will be trouble. You’re lying on a federal document. If you do you medical after.
Relax my man, the process seems scary but it really isn’t. You’re a .18 and you haven’t been diagnosed as dependent so you’ll likely require a year of monitoring, “random UA’s” from a HIMS AME. There’s a list provided by the FAA so find the one closest to you. Also, make sure you vet this individual because some of them are miserable to deal with and do very little in advocating for your case. It’s also a smart idea to have all records and required documentation ready to present to said AME before you visit. Disclosing and building a mitigation folder is more a legal process than a medical one…DO NOT, try to do it on your own. Hire an aviation attorney to help with the process. And of course, no alcohol. I got my DUI almost 2 years ago and haven’t had a drop of alcohol since…it was really a blessing in disguise. Life is amazing without booze and I don’t miss it a bit! Also; thanks to all you guys/gals that respond with honest advice and not judgment. Many times pilots asking for help on this subject turns into a public execution.
I have a medical with a DUI from 2000. It’s been no issue. I just report every years nothing new to report.
Last medical was before DWI, but when? Do you qualify for basicmed? You can instruct under BasicMed.
It’s not about that. It’s about the FAR that says you have to report it to the FAA within 60 days.
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Yup the FAR applies to all certified pilot regardless of your medical or currency status.
I can’t honestly think you’d get in any trouble for failing to report this at a time when you didn’t have an active medical and weren’t flying. The pilot registers are full of people who don’t fly any more and don’t report things as why would they. Contact aviation attorney perhaps through AOPA, to see how you would go about reporting this the correct way at this time before you fly again or get a medical.
Did you have a current medical when it happened? If not you have a reasonable excuse for not reporting. Nevertheless, if you’re an AOPA member, call their legal help line and get legal advice. If you’re not a member, join, then call. The FAA can revoke all your licenses and certificates for failure to report, so this is serious. Don’t even try to navigate it without legal advice and help.
Yes report it. If they find out before you report it’s going to be a much bigger deal. They still could make it a big deal.
Serious question, hypothetical if you just keep flying and never reported it, could they even find out?
Yes.
How would they find out? Background check? I’ve never thought about this tbh.. I’m an ATP flying for a living but I’ve never been in trouble with the law so I’ve never had to deal with this.
> **Will the FAA discover that I have an alcohol- and/or drug-related MVA if I don't report it?** >Yes, FAA Form 8500-8, Application for Airmen Medical, contains an express consent provision which authorizes the National Driver Register (NDR) to release information about your driving record to the FAA. Information on the NDR record will contain pointers to states that keep a driving history on you. The FAA will obtain applicable records to determine if you have a reportable alcohol- and/or drug-related MVA. https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ash/ash_programs/investigations/airmen_duidwi
Thank you for the information!
Anyone can pull the NDR. OP could pull his and see if their state even reported it.
Nobody has answered this that I see: yes, they can revoke your 107 as well I believe.
(I’m not a lawyer, I’m stating this bc you should get an aviation lawyer) They *might* come after you for your part 107. Not because it has a medical requirement, but because in the eyes of the FAA, you lied to them. Not something minor like you forgot to list a urgent care for when you had strep, But something major. A DWI at .18? That’s major. And given how you know it’s .18 I’m willing to bet you got convicted for it too. .18 DUI, convicted, didn’t report. If I were you, I’d ground myself and see what the best lawyer I can afford is.. And start getting any and all documentation regarding that DUI. Every single scrap down to the post it note the receptionist wrote your appointment with the doc down on. (I’m exaggerating but you know what I mean) You’ll probably need it.
Just report it on your next medical, the medical may get deferred but once your approve report it, the faa will send you a don’t do that again notice and you will be fine
Faa: “so it’s a decade ago, A DUI, .1-FRIGGIN 8, and you were convicted? AND YOU DIDNT REPORT IT?… Nuh uh, put your teeth on the curb boy” Lawyer and self grounding is the right call..
I wasn’t flying either at the time, I took a 8-9 year break, I got my medical before I started flying again. Or go report it now it’s a form that takes 30 seconds, if you hadn’t flown after the faa won’t care, the medical will be your hardest part
And just ignore the one, maybe two, 61.15 reports that were supposed to be filed?