Can you become a pilot with a felony?

Other felonies that might keep you from being a pilot include:

• Felonies involving violence

• Felonies involving sex crimes

• Felonies related to hate crimes

While other types of felonies might not be as much of an obstacle. However, felonies can adversely affect job prospects, especially in the aviation field because this industry places very high value on integrity and safety.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) considers whether or not a person with a felony can become a licensed pilot on a case-by-case basis. It requires all pilots to disclose any criminal histories or legal issues. The FAA might also ask you for additional information when they find out about your felony, this might include items like:

• Court records

• Character references

• Probation reports

Not all felony convictions carry the same negative weight. Your potential employers are likely to determine if they want to hire you as a pilot based on a number of factors concerning your felony, like:

• The specific felony and its nature

• The time that has elapsed since you committed it

• If you had to go to prison and for how long

• If you have done things since your felony to prove you have changed, like volunteer work, etc.

• Any other forms of rehabilitation you have committed to

In summation, not all felonies are going to keep you from becoming a pilot, but some will, and any felony is going to make getting a pilot's license and a job in aviation more difficult.