StickToFlying
13th Sep 2004, 07:22
Firstly, let me humbly apologise for my existence: I am in fact a wannabee who is seeking some quality advice from 'real' people.
I am presently applying for direct entry as a pilot. I am aware that it is not unheard of for aircrew to have the odd point on their driving license, however, I am quite concerned about the need to declare a conviction for 'driving without due care...'. (I might add that my main concern regards the need to trawl out the material facts at boarding, rather than the fact that the conviction itself exists.)
The conviction relates to an accident that happened nearly two years ago. I received a very light sentence, since the accident was caused by a genuine mistake on my part (due to lack of experience and training, rather than by recklessness). I can even talk about how I sought remedial training, but nevertheless, the actual circumstances of the accident do not 'read well', and I find it I almost impossible to put the story across without invoking, at least an initially, a reaction of horror. Even my closest of friends will jokingly quip: "And they still let you fly an aeroplane???...", or something to that effect.
I must emphasise once again that (at least in my opinion) anyone could have made this particular mistake under the same circumstances. However, I am sure that if the subject came up in my final board, then it would spell an immediate end to my prospective career; or at the very least, leave me wanting for several industrial sized packs of 'benefit of the doubt'!
My plan is to be very 'tactful' about details of the incident. I am mindful of the utmost need for integrity in an officer, but I also feel that I must follow the unwritten rule of any interview, whereby one is not expected to volunteer information that reflects badly upon oneself. So firstly, if I declare this conviction, (which of course I will if obliged to do so), will the board have access to the records of the material circumstances of the case? If so, will they check these as a matter of course? Do I run the risk of being escorted off the premises for being excessively diplomatic?
Secondly, I was told by the police that it was not necessary to declare driving convictions to a potential employer. I strongly suspect that this is not the case with the armed forces. I know that they are obliged to ask at the interview whether the candidate has had any involvement with the police or any convictions etc. However, could it be the case that the police were indeed correct, and that I am entitled to deny having any 'criminal convictions' due to this being a minor motoring offence?
I am presently applying for direct entry as a pilot. I am aware that it is not unheard of for aircrew to have the odd point on their driving license, however, I am quite concerned about the need to declare a conviction for 'driving without due care...'. (I might add that my main concern regards the need to trawl out the material facts at boarding, rather than the fact that the conviction itself exists.)
The conviction relates to an accident that happened nearly two years ago. I received a very light sentence, since the accident was caused by a genuine mistake on my part (due to lack of experience and training, rather than by recklessness). I can even talk about how I sought remedial training, but nevertheless, the actual circumstances of the accident do not 'read well', and I find it I almost impossible to put the story across without invoking, at least an initially, a reaction of horror. Even my closest of friends will jokingly quip: "And they still let you fly an aeroplane???...", or something to that effect.
I must emphasise once again that (at least in my opinion) anyone could have made this particular mistake under the same circumstances. However, I am sure that if the subject came up in my final board, then it would spell an immediate end to my prospective career; or at the very least, leave me wanting for several industrial sized packs of 'benefit of the doubt'!
My plan is to be very 'tactful' about details of the incident. I am mindful of the utmost need for integrity in an officer, but I also feel that I must follow the unwritten rule of any interview, whereby one is not expected to volunteer information that reflects badly upon oneself. So firstly, if I declare this conviction, (which of course I will if obliged to do so), will the board have access to the records of the material circumstances of the case? If so, will they check these as a matter of course? Do I run the risk of being escorted off the premises for being excessively diplomatic?
Secondly, I was told by the police that it was not necessary to declare driving convictions to a potential employer. I strongly suspect that this is not the case with the armed forces. I know that they are obliged to ask at the interview whether the candidate has had any involvement with the police or any convictions etc. However, could it be the case that the police were indeed correct, and that I am entitled to deny having any 'criminal convictions' due to this being a minor motoring offence?