Illegal drugs on record - Potential Career Issues?

[Coming_in_hot]

I have searched the forum and can't find the answer to this question. I used drugs in my younger years, around 10 years ago, and had to seek assistance so it was on my record. I declared this at my Class 2 Initial and subsequently went through the 2 years of hair tests and an interview with a psychologist, specialising in addiction medicine. The CAA issued me a class 2 medical.
I am now considering a pilot career and was wondering if I get my class 1, will this be an issue in the selection process or interview? Or is the Class 1 medical deemed the final word on your health when going for a job? I know people recommend getting a Class 1 before going through the ATPL exams but will this be an issue further along the process? Your experience and advice at interviews and or company medical exams will be greatly appreciated.

[Blinkz]

Not sure about medical implications, but having drugs on your record might cause issues when you try and get an airside pass, and a US visa should you try and go longhaul. It depends on what happened when you were younger, which drugs, were you ever arrested etc.

[parkfell]

On your records: medical records only? Rehabilitation of Offenders Act kicks in after 10 years for 'minor offences' criminal convictions for most UK Disclosure purposes. Already disclosed for class 2 anyway.

When you complete the ESTA for a US visa, it asks whether you have ever taken 'illegal drugs'?

Might be a show stopper unless you have diplomatic status (A1 visa)

DO NOT incur any expenditure for professional training until the Class One is issued.

[wiggy]

When you complete the ESTA for a US visa, it asks whether you have ever taken 'illegal drugs'?


I know I'm repeating previous advice/comment but it bears repeating that anyone embarking on a career in the airlines does need to consider that at many a condition of employment is that the employee can perform worldwide travel. This is particularly important if they wish to work at an operator where there might be requirement to enter the States as a Crew member, because they will then have to apply for a "Crew member's Visa", otherwise known as a C-1/D.

The process for that is a tad more complex and through than that involved in gaining the common or garden ESTA that passengers go through and includes, after a fairly thorough on-line process, a visit your nearest Embassy for a face to face interview with an embassy official.

The American authorities do ask the standard drugs questions of crew during the on-line process and I'm sure if there are any grey areas questions will be asked at interview. As a ex-user there might not be any problems but I'm sure the officials would take a particularly dim view of anyone they think might have been involved in trafficking/supplying.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/other-visa-categories/crewmember-visa.html