MIP Disclosure to Airlines

[j4seymor]

When I was young and stupid (20, to be precise) I got a citation from the friendly local law enforcement for being a Minor in Possesion of Alcohol. Fortunately, I was able to recover from the staggeringly drunk 0.03 I blew, accomplished the probationary period, and got the violation expunged. To my knowledge, legally, I don't have to disclose it, nor is it on my record. My question is this. Will prospective employers have access to this information? I don't want to disclose it if I don't need to, but obviously I do not want to look like a liar. Thanks guys.

 

[Inverted25]

I dont think a MIP when you were 20 will be a huge deal if you have kept your nose clean the past 3-5 years. Did you report it on your medical? I beleive you still have to report it on your medical even if it was expunged.

 

[j4seymor]

no i did not report it on the medical.

 

[mshunter]

no i did not report it on the medical.

Join AOPA, pay for the legal help, and consult one of their lawyers before you do anything else aviation related. If they find out, they will think you lied and revoke your medical certificate. Don't tell them untill you have gotten legal advice. It is still on your record, it's just harder to find. I have something on my record that's expunged, and it's right there in public view. The only difference here in Kalfornia, is once it's found to be expunged, they can't ask you questions about it pre-employment wise.

 

[j4seymor]

Thats probably a pretty good idea. Thanks. I thought you just had to report driving-related alcohol offenses on the medical?

 

[chrisj]

I thought you just had to report driving-related alcohol offenses on the medical?

The 8500-8 in box 18w specifically asks to list all non-traffic related convictions. This would include a conviction of MIP. The word conviction is the tricky part here, and since laws vary state to state it can be sort of confusing. If you pleaded guilty or were found guilty, and received probation or community service, and subsequently got the record expunged, it's probably still a conviction. However, if you pleaded no contest and received something like deferred adjudication and subsequently got the charges dropped after a probationary period, then you were not convicted. I would definitely consult an attorney before you go any further, AOPA is a good place to start, but you might need to get them to point you to an attorney in the state you were charged so you can clear up this distinction.