A criminal record is most likely a no-go for airline pilots- this is why.

To get an airport ID the organization in charge of security will conduct a background check. Most background checks are very thorough, and depending on what is on your criminal record it can be a NO-GO for obtaining an airport ID. To be an Airline pilot you would need to be able to obtain an airport ID, and if you cannot get an airport ID, we cannot see how you can work as an airline pilot.

If you have already got an airport ID and you get something on your criminal record, then you might lose the privilege of having your airport ID. Of course, this would depend on if there is a check of your criminal record and what kind of crime you have been found guilty of.

What kind of jobs could you do (inside aviation) if you have a criminal record?

You may be able to get a job in aviation where an Airport ID is not required. That could for example be ground instruction at at flying school. You may or may not be able to become a simulator instructor. The reason for writing “may” is that many big Simulator companies are following the same security standards as airports. If the simulator was located at a local flying school it may be different.

It may not be your first pref doing instructing, but depending on what is on your criminal record, it may be that after a few years, it will be deleted.

Losing your pilot licence because of a criminal offence

Depending on the crime you have been found guilty of, the aviation authorities may withdraw your license or if you are in the process of training for a pilot licence deny issuing it.

Again it would depend on what kind of criminal offence you have been found guilty of. It is not always black and white and it may vary from country to country, what kind of criminal offence is tolerated in regards to still having your pilot licence. For example, you may be able to still have a pilot licence if you have lost your driving licence or if you have had a tax case against you.

Most likely you will lose your pilot licence (or job) if you have to do jail time for your crime.

Sometimes you can commit a criminal offence inside aviation. That could be for instance if you worked for two different commercial operators, and you were found guilty of violating duty or flight hours behind your employer’s back. Like if the two different commercial operators were not aware of your secondary employment and they were led to believe you were only working for them. Another example of committing a crime that could make you lose your licence is to be on duty under the influence of alcohol over the limit. What is important to know about limits, is that as a pilot you can be subject to the local rules of the country you fly into. Some countries have a legal alcohol limit where you can maybe have had a light beer, and other countries have a strict no tolerance. Most commercial operators will have a company rule that prevents their crew from being anywhere near the limits. Ultimately respecting the rules will be a personal responsibility.

Happy landings

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