A person with a felony conviction can generally pursue a career as a pilot, but the path is significantly more challenging and requires navigating complex federal regulations. Success depends heavily on the nature of the felony, the time elapsed since the conviction, and the applicant’s ability to demonstrate rehabilitation. The process is governed by two primary U.S. federal agencies: the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which issues the license, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which controls access to the aviation environment. Understanding the distinct roles of these agencies is the first step toward achieving certification.
The FAA’s Stance on Felonies and Pilot Licensing
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does not impose an automatic, lifetime ban on an individual solely because of a past felony conviction when applying for an Airman Certificate. The agency’s primary concern centers on the applicant’s “good moral character,” a requirement specifically outlined for the higher-level Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate. When a felony is disclosed, the FAA reviews the circumstances, including the nature of the crime, its frequency, and its relationship to pilot responsibilities. This evaluation assesses the applicant’s current fitness and judgment rather than simply denying the application based on the conviction itself.
Certain crimes, particularly those involving drugs or alcohol, trigger specific regulatory actions. A conviction for a drug or alcohol-related offense prevents an applicant from applying for any Airman Certificate for up to one year following the final conviction. If a pilot already holds a certificate, such a conviction can lead to its suspension or revocation. The FAA medical certificate process, which all pilots must pass, can also be complicated by substance abuse history, requiring evidence of recovery and potentially clinical evaluation before clearance is granted.
The Critical Role of Transportation Security Administration Clearances
While the FAA grants the license to fly, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) grants the security clearance necessary to operate in the commercial aviation system. This clearance, known as a Security Threat Assessment (STA), is mandated for all student pilots and is continuously required for commercial pilots needing unescorted access to secured airport areas. The TSA’s regulations focus on transportation security and are often more stringent than the FAA’s.
The TSA maintains specific lists of criminal offenses that result in either a permanent disqualification or an interim, time-limited disqualification from receiving the necessary clearance. For felonies that are not permanent bars, the TSA typically applies a look-back period, which can be up to 10 years for certain crimes. If a conviction falls within this window, the applicant is denied the clearance, preventing them from working for an airline or flying commercially, even with an FAA license. This TSA authority creates a significant, separate hurdle that can stop a career before it begins.
Specific Crimes That Create Statutory Disqualifications
The most restrictive barriers are felonies resulting in a permanent statutory disqualification under TSA rules, meaning rehabilitation will not automatically negate the conviction. These offenses primarily threaten national security or the transportation system itself.
Permanently disqualifying crimes include:
- Espionage, sedition, and treason
- Federal crimes of terrorism
- Murder
- Crimes related to the unlawful possession or dealing of explosives
- A crime involving a severe transportation security incident (e.g., resulting in significant loss of life or environmental damage)
Other serious felonies result in an interim disqualification, a temporary bar lasting seven to ten years from the date of conviction or release from incarceration. This category includes distribution of a controlled substance, arson, robbery, extortion, and assault with intent to kill. Dishonesty and fraud, including identity fraud and money laundering, are also listed among the interim disqualifying offenses. Applicants must wait out this statutory period before they can successfully pass the mandatory Security Threat Assessment.
Navigating the Airman Certificate Application Process
The application process for an Airman Certificate requires absolute honesty about the applicant’s criminal history, as any falsification or omission is grounds for immediate denial or later certificate revocation. Applicants must prepare a comprehensive package that addresses the conviction directly, explaining the circumstances of the offense and providing details about the court disposition. This package is the primary opportunity to demonstrate successful rehabilitation to the FAA examiner.
Demonstrating rehabilitation involves assembling objective evidence that shows a sustained change in behavior and judgment over an extended period. This evidence should include detailed character references from employers or community leaders, documentation of community service, and proof of a stable career and personal life since the incident.
For those seeking the higher-level ATP certificate, the examiner must specifically inquire about the felony conviction and may refer the case for a formal determination on moral character. Consulting an aviation attorney specializing in FAA enforcement actions is a prudent step to ensure the application is structured correctly and complies with all disclosure requirements.
The Difference Between Private and Commercial Pilot Careers
The regulatory scrutiny level changes dramatically depending on whether a pilot pursues a private or commercial career path. Obtaining a Private Pilot License (PPL) is significantly less complicated with a felony history because a PPL holder typically does not require the same level of TSA clearance or access to secured commercial airport areas. A private pilot generally flies for recreational purposes and does not face the rigorous background checks imposed by airlines. While the initial student pilot certificate requires a TSA Security Threat Assessment, the ongoing professional demands are much lower for a private license.
The situation changes substantially for those aiming for a Commercial Pilot Certificate or an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate, which are the minimum requirements for a professional flying career. Commercial airlines and large corporate flight departments impose internal background standards that almost always exceed the minimum requirements of the FAA and TSA. These employer policies, often dictated by insurance carriers, scrutinize the entire criminal history, looking far beyond the 10-year TSA look-back window. Consequently, while a felony may not bar a pilot from holding a commercial certificate, it can still result in a non-hire decision from nearly every major airline.
Overcoming Employment Hurdles in Aviation
The final challenge for a pilot with a felony record is successfully entering the job market, which is governed by the hiring policies of individual companies rather than federal agencies. Companies are often hesitant to hire individuals with a criminal history due to concerns about liability, insurance costs, and public perception, regardless of regulatory compliance. To overcome this hurdle, the focus must shift from regulatory approval to building verifiable trust and demonstrating long-term stability.
A viable strategy involves starting in a non-flying aviation role to establish a strong track record of reliability and integrity within the industry. Working as an aircraft mechanic, ground crew member, or flight instructor at a small school allows the individual to build relationships and gain positive endorsements. Networking is a greater factor, as personal referrals and stable employment history can help mitigate the employer’s inherent risk aversion. Continuing to demonstrate rehabilitation through community involvement and a stable personal life helps build a resume that speaks to the applicant’s current character, making a stronger case for employment.