Getting a Job with Spent Conviction

[747neo]

I made the mistake of getting a driving under the influence of alcohol conviction around 9 years ago. The conviction is considered spent in my non-European country. I am looking to work in the UK, Europe or Australia. I will be getting both UK and EASA licences and currently I only have the right to live and work in the UK.

My question is, would I be able to get a job with an airline with this conviction (from overseas and spent)? Also, do I need to let the flight school know about this conviction?


I am going to start my flight training next year but before I do, I want to confirm that I will be able to complete the training and also get a job with an airline after it. Thank you for your help in advance.

[VariablePitchP]

Spent, you’ll probably be okay but whatever you do, never ever lie on a form or it can bite you in a big way.

If it says ‘have you ever been convicted of X’ then the answer is yes.

Probably easier to get yourself started in the uk if you’ve already got right to work. The DBS you need for your airside pass is the basic one so the conviction, if spent, should show. Again, answer any and all questions truthfully.

Yes it will be harder and potentially more difficult, it’s not impossible though.

May be an idea to get a criminal records check from your home country today, to see what actually shows up on it before you have to get it for the employer. You’ll know what you’re working with.

[747neo]

Thank you for the reply.

Just want to clarify, do I have to answer 'Yes' to ‘have you ever been convicted of X’ even though it occurred in a different country and is spent?

Also, will any questions regarding convictions be asked during the initial UK or EASA Class 1 medicals? If so, will answering 'Yes' to those questions have any effect on being able to obtain a class 1 medical certificate?

Appreciate your help

[mesh]

You don’t need to declare it. A basic criminal record check will not show if spent. An enhanced Will and some companies ask for a driving licence check that will show it. They need this if they operate a company hire car system. Google rehabilitation of offenders act in UK. Look at www.gov.uk and you will see that there are different timelines, for you probably 5 years where if you haven’t reoffended then they say you deserve a second chance basically. Believe me there are some guys flying in the UK that have criminal records. Good luck

[redsnail]

It was almost compulsory in Australia to have a DUI (spent). It is an opportunity to show maturity and growth. "Yes, I made a foolish error when I was young but I have since learned the error of my ways and ensured that it never happened again. etc".
My husband has a spent (well and truly spent - 30 years ago) DUI in Australia. Didn't stop him getting an airline job in Australia and now in the UK.

I wouldn't lie if you have one. Things are worse for you if you do. However, I doubt it'll be an Airside pass stopper. It also shouldn't stop you from operating into the US etc.