Can I complete my commercial check ride with a recent DUI?
Asked by: Wilco@24 3758 views Student Pilot
Hello,
As the title suggests, I'm in a world of trouble and I'm trying my very best to salvage what little I have left for a future in flying.
In short, I have been training the last two weeks to prepare for the commercial checkride and was very close to being signed off by my instructor, until I chose to make my life very difficult with my first DUI two days ago.
I know I need to send two letters (conviction and driver license suspension) to the FAA to comply with 61.15. Additionally, I will need to comply with the medical application by marking yes in 18 - v on the medical application. Unfortunately, I blew above >.15, so my application will be differed to the FAA for evaluation. I'm hoping as this is my first DUI and with no history of drinking problems my medical will be released from the FAA.
Where the waters become a bit murky is regarding if I'm grounded until I get a new medical at which point I will be able to resume my training. Or, since my medical doesn't expire for another two years and as long as I submit my two letters to the FAA, can I continue on with my training and take my commercial checkride?
I spoke with an attorney and the later appears to be the case and I'm still waiting to hear back from some personnel in the FAA (medical certification branch). However, I want to make sure I follow all of FAA's regulations and and avoid any infraction. I'm reaching out to anyone who has some additional advice or experience in this situation. I would truly appreciate all the help I can receive.
I know its hard not to judge an individual based upon a quick synopsis, but I just want to make a point known that I'm not a heavy drinker (I honestly rarely drink and wont be for a very long time). I'm also attending graduate school for my masters and have a 4.0 GPA. I've never broken a law until now and I'm finding out this will be very crushing to my professional career. I'm trying my hardest to rectify this while being a beneficial member to society.
Thank You
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