Have i stuffed up my dream..?
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Have i stuffed up my dream..?
Hi,
I wish i was signing up under better circumstances..
New years eve i made the biggest mistake of my life. Ive run it through my head 1000 times and i still dont understand why i did what i did. I feel really ashamed tho.. I have been honest with police and will be pleading guilty.
Im meant to be starting a Bachelor in Aviation in March, and now i could be going to jail. Any hope of getting in the RAAF has been ruined
But am i still able to fly commercially? Flying is the only thing ive ever wanted to do with my life.. Im afraid there is no hope for me now.
I dont really want to talk about what i did, but it wasn't murder or anything terrorist related.
Thanks
I wish i was signing up under better circumstances..
New years eve i made the biggest mistake of my life. Ive run it through my head 1000 times and i still dont understand why i did what i did. I feel really ashamed tho.. I have been honest with police and will be pleading guilty.
Im meant to be starting a Bachelor in Aviation in March, and now i could be going to jail. Any hope of getting in the RAAF has been ruined
But am i still able to fly commercially? Flying is the only thing ive ever wanted to do with my life.. Im afraid there is no hope for me now.I dont really want to talk about what i did, but it wasn't murder or anything terrorist related.
Thanks
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Don't ask daft questions without giving details! What did you do? Rob a bank? Abduct a little girl? Be late on a credit card payment? Smoked something stupid? We all live by the choices we make. If you are out of control and doing stupid things, maybe you need a long period to lose immaturity before you think about going into any responsible position. But the question you asked is impossible to answer without details. If your dream was really so important to you, you would have dedicated your life and behaviour in that direction. Maybe you need a few years to decide what is really important to you in life and how you should behave. If you knowingly actually did something seriously wrong, then you need a long period of introspection to see why you did such a stupid thing rather than try and get justification and absolution from strangers. Your answer is within you, not here.
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I am asking for a purely legal stand point in regard to Australian licensing. Sorry i should of been more clear. Hope someone here can tell me if a criminal record is an instant disqualification like it is with Australian security guard licenses. What would be the point in spending 3 years in university and getting $100K in debt, if i can never fly
And while i am fully responsible for my actions, i was intoxicated enough to hardly be thinking more then a few seconds ahead. And to ensure this NEVER happens again, i have given up drinking. And not in a silly way where the next time your offered beer you accept it either. I didnt drink on australia day, i didnt drink on my mates birthday, and my house mates always offering me a drink and i havent had one so its safe to say this is something im sticking too.
As i said i dont feel comfortable talking about it, but its nothing that says i would do anything dangerous or irresponsible with a plane. Also up intill now i have had a perfect record if it makes a difference.
And while i am fully responsible for my actions, i was intoxicated enough to hardly be thinking more then a few seconds ahead. And to ensure this NEVER happens again, i have given up drinking. And not in a silly way where the next time your offered beer you accept it either. I didnt drink on australia day, i didnt drink on my mates birthday, and my house mates always offering me a drink and i havent had one so its safe to say this is something im sticking too.
As i said i dont feel comfortable talking about it, but its nothing that says i would do anything dangerous or irresponsible with a plane. Also up intill now i have had a perfect record if it makes a difference.
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You need to talk to a lawyer. Some convictions have a sort of statute of limitation on them, after xyz years the conviction can be scrubbed from your record. By the time you have served your sentence and completed university you may be eligible for the RAAF again. As you have a clean record and are pleading guilty, if your lawyer can put up a good plea of mitigation, you may be able to escape a criminal conviction. Go see a lawyer soon and let him give you the hard facts, it will make your life a bit easier.
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I don't always agree with Rainboe but his posting is one of the wisest I've seen on PPrune for a while.
<<And while i am fully responsible for my actions, i was intoxicated enough to hardly be thinking more then a few seconds ahead.>>
Something slightly contradictory there methinks. How can you be "fully responsible" when you're out of your head? Would you sit behind a "fully responsible" pilot who had just been out on a bender? If you want job where you are responsible for the lives of others then understand that too much booze is a) unacceptable, b) irresponsible and c) just downright bl**dy stupid?
Good luck in putting your life back together... but for Heaven's sake take things seriously.
<<And while i am fully responsible for my actions, i was intoxicated enough to hardly be thinking more then a few seconds ahead.>>
Something slightly contradictory there methinks. How can you be "fully responsible" when you're out of your head? Would you sit behind a "fully responsible" pilot who had just been out on a bender? If you want job where you are responsible for the lives of others then understand that too much booze is a) unacceptable, b) irresponsible and c) just downright bl**dy stupid?
Good luck in putting your life back together... but for Heaven's sake take things seriously.
So what did you do?
The problem for myself would be if you were a ******** due to weakness once (never blame alcohol for your behaviour - it's the sign of someone who doesn't take responsibility for his / her own actions; even if the alcohol clouded your judgement - it was your choice to start & continue drinking) - then you could lapse again if stress or situation or mood or such effected you.
The problem for myself would be if you were a ******** due to weakness once (never blame alcohol for your behaviour - it's the sign of someone who doesn't take responsibility for his / her own actions; even if the alcohol clouded your judgement - it was your choice to start & continue drinking) - then you could lapse again if stress or situation or mood or such effected you.
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Parabellum has it. Invest in a lawyer, but above all, learn from this. You are about to embark on the main stream of your life. Stupid behaviour comes from you, nobody else. Only you can decide what sort of person you will be. Set yourself rules now if you want to make life changing decisions. You are the one that decides to smoke funny stuff or drink to excess. Those decisions will present a bill to you later one day. If you want something in life where you can't afford to be involved in drugs anyway, then the answer is simple! Why do you need that stuff anyway when there is surfing and skiing and enjoying life with others? And drinking to excess? Purrlease! If you can't control it, give it up altogether! But to let those stupid things control the path your life will take? It shows you are not yet ready to contribute to the world- 'immature' is the word that springs to mind. So stiffen-up dork, and decide what you want in life. Nobody will tell you how to behave if you have set your sights on something- they will just be disinterested bystanders watching you *****-up your life. Think about it! You decide how you are going to control yourself. And don't ever blame others for your daft actions- that's a total cop out. So pull yourself together man and change your life. You won't get re-assurance or absolution here. Get some strength from within yourself or go work in a shop for the rest of your life.
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You should be able to find a list of disqualifying offences preventing you from gaining an airside pass. Try the Australian Department of Transport (or whatever you call it) website and Google.
If your conviction is spent it wont show up on your CRC and should therefore, not be a problem. I believe that drink driving is spent after 5 years but again, get googling.
As for giving up drinking, don't be soft. Just give up drinking and driving.
If your conviction is spent it wont show up on your CRC and should therefore, not be a problem. I believe that drink driving is spent after 5 years but again, get googling.
As for giving up drinking, don't be soft. Just give up drinking and driving.
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Sorry- don't like that last line. If you can't drink responsibly, the only way to control it is to have the strength to give up totally until you are in control of your life again. It is not being 'soft' giving it up totally, until you are responsible and adult enough to drink sensibly and socially without making a total arse of yourself, as Navarone has obviously done.
If you've picked up a DUI violation, no amount of pleading 'it will screw-up my future, yer 'Onor!' will get you out of it. There is no sympathy. People lose their jobs for that. You are regarded as having had a choice, and made it. You will be punished as such.
Navarone- are you in with a bunch of idiots? A load of losers? They will find it a scream watching you screw up your future. That is why you must be strong to retain complete self control at all times. Learn to say 'No!'. Keep control. Blow them out if you need to, but don't let others bugger-up your life, then blame 'them'.
You have a big decision ahead of you.
If you've picked up a DUI violation, no amount of pleading 'it will screw-up my future, yer 'Onor!' will get you out of it. There is no sympathy. People lose their jobs for that. You are regarded as having had a choice, and made it. You will be punished as such.
Navarone- are you in with a bunch of idiots? A load of losers? They will find it a scream watching you screw up your future. That is why you must be strong to retain complete self control at all times. Learn to say 'No!'. Keep control. Blow them out if you need to, but don't let others bugger-up your life, then blame 'them'.
You have a big decision ahead of you.
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Rainboe I agree.
I was trying to say that if the OP can be mature and responsible enough to control his drinking then there's no need to cut it out completely. We have all gone over the top at some point in our lives, I have anyway (not as far as drink driving), and that's how I learnt to be sensible with drink.
I think Navarone has probably learnt that lesson recently. Maybe I have too much faith in human nature but I'm sure he wouldn't make the same mistake again, unless it's a deeper rooted problem. I hope he doesn't because it's not only his life that's hanging in the balance next time he gets behind the wheel after a drink.
If he can't trust himself to have that level of control then his future employers and passengers shouldn't either. Harsh, maybe, but fair.
Of course it's not really that simple because the only way to know that it wont happen again is to put yourself back in to that position and then make the right choice. So I understand why he has given up completely, I just don't think it's necessarily the right solution.
I can only speak from my point of view and past experience so each to his own.
I was trying to say that if the OP can be mature and responsible enough to control his drinking then there's no need to cut it out completely. We have all gone over the top at some point in our lives, I have anyway (not as far as drink driving), and that's how I learnt to be sensible with drink.
I think Navarone has probably learnt that lesson recently. Maybe I have too much faith in human nature but I'm sure he wouldn't make the same mistake again, unless it's a deeper rooted problem. I hope he doesn't because it's not only his life that's hanging in the balance next time he gets behind the wheel after a drink.
If he can't trust himself to have that level of control then his future employers and passengers shouldn't either. Harsh, maybe, but fair.
Of course it's not really that simple because the only way to know that it wont happen again is to put yourself back in to that position and then make the right choice. So I understand why he has given up completely, I just don't think it's necessarily the right solution.
I can only speak from my point of view and past experience so each to his own.
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I'm maybe far too rigid and unforgiving, but
sounds more to me like he might make it through to Friday night without drinking again, but that's it! IMO, the only safe answer to turn his life around is to swear 'not again!'. If you get yourself in that state, you are addicted. Sad to say, it will not last a week. I don't think he has the resolve. Out of sympathy for himself, he will pour more of that poison down his throat. I've heard it too much, seen it too often. Cold Turkey is the only answer when you have behaved like an arse like this.
i was intoxicated enough to hardly be thinking more then a few seconds ahead. And to ensure this NEVER happens again, i have given up drinking.
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Rainboe is right Low Toad, ( and you are being silly).
Had a job once where medical insurance was provided, only condition was that we all attended an annual seminar on health and self inflicted health problems.
What the learned Doctor said was, "If you can't remember the last day on which you didn't have drink then, whilst you may not be alcoholic, you definitely have an alcohol related problem". Too often these days drinking to excess is considered normal and subsequent behaviour acceptable, not so.
Had a job once where medical insurance was provided, only condition was that we all attended an annual seminar on health and self inflicted health problems.
What the learned Doctor said was, "If you can't remember the last day on which you didn't have drink then, whilst you may not be alcoholic, you definitely have an alcohol related problem". Too often these days drinking to excess is considered normal and subsequent behaviour acceptable, not so.
I didn't say Rainboe was wrong - i was making a tongue in cheek comment.
Aye - but I onner trying to fly or drive or be responsible!
Well as somebody who loves to drink and smoke, you're no shining example to him!
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It's the ones who have no similar sense of limitation who have to go cold turkey (IMO) if they want to positively progress with their lives or careers. Hopefully as it was New Year they may go gently on him, but he will need a good lawyer and a testament that he had given up the evil drink for the sake of his future career. Contrition may help him, then a long period of introspection of what he really wants out of life and how he is going to approach his future is needed!
I detest people drinking to the level of idiocy. I ended a relationship with an alcoholic. It was nasty, embarrassing, and shameful for the one concerned. They are flushing their lives down the can.
I detest people drinking to the level of idiocy. I ended a relationship with an alcoholic. It was nasty, embarrassing, and shameful for the one concerned. They are flushing their lives down the can.
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Can i just add.....
Being a Pilot (and it doesnt matter at what level) requires the upmost dedication, professionalism, and responsibility. You as a person has messed up and probably messed up big time, from what it sounds like you have done; it's pure thoughtless and unprofessional, in a real-world term is an action that could of, and would of put others safety at risk, including yourself wether your on the road driving or flying an airplane.
No good pilot, or dedicated pilot-wannabe would ever put themself in a situation where his or her actions would or could affect their flying career, license or dream.
If you really wanted your dream so much why the heck did you do this?
I think that you just loved the idea of flying and fancied the dream of doing it, but your not what it takes because a pilot would never put themself in this situation nor would a dedicated and determined wannabe pilot do this!
There are hundreds if not thousands of student pilots and qualified pilots out there with sqeeky clean records that are looking for jobs, what will make you better than them?
Airlines need (and want) responsible, dedicated and professional pilots who have dedicated themself to their career, and not to student pilots that have hit the bottle as you WILL stick out like a sore thumb.
Sounds harsh, but i just dont think that your cut-out for the job, you can damn try, i wish you good luck and the very best, but just think what your up-against?
Its a tough world out there!
Being a Pilot (and it doesnt matter at what level) requires the upmost dedication, professionalism, and responsibility. You as a person has messed up and probably messed up big time, from what it sounds like you have done; it's pure thoughtless and unprofessional, in a real-world term is an action that could of, and would of put others safety at risk, including yourself wether your on the road driving or flying an airplane.
No good pilot, or dedicated pilot-wannabe would ever put themself in a situation where his or her actions would or could affect their flying career, license or dream.
If you really wanted your dream so much why the heck did you do this?
I think that you just loved the idea of flying and fancied the dream of doing it, but your not what it takes because a pilot would never put themself in this situation nor would a dedicated and determined wannabe pilot do this!
There are hundreds if not thousands of student pilots and qualified pilots out there with sqeeky clean records that are looking for jobs, what will make you better than them?
Airlines need (and want) responsible, dedicated and professional pilots who have dedicated themself to their career, and not to student pilots that have hit the bottle as you WILL stick out like a sore thumb.
Sounds harsh, but i just dont think that your cut-out for the job, you can damn try, i wish you good luck and the very best, but just think what your up-against?
Its a tough world out there!
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I have just heard about one of my former colleagues. After a long wait for command, does command course and passes. First trip to a Scandinavian country, has a couple of beers in the evening, gets checked next morning, exceeds the zero tolerance policy, canned, period.
That is the type of world Naverone is trying to enter. Not only did he get himself blasted to the level of uncontrollability, he has done something apparently imprisonable. What? More than get caught DUI? Knock someone over? Steal a car? Difficult to know without being aware of what he did, but it sounds like he has succeeded in barring himself for years from a desired career path. Sad to be a casualty, but maybe some good can come of it for others. There is no messing about with a flying career. Despite what you see in films, the world is turning to a VERY hard place. Increasingly, pilots cannot even think of drinking for days when they are working. Learn from it folks- a DUI conviction will see you out of your chosen career as quickly as a sexual harrassment these days. If you can't control yourself, you are not regarded as safe to operate public transport. People are increasingly being imprisoned for misbehaving with alcohol alone. But more than that to the extent of doing something else to be imprisoned for? Naverone- sorry to say, but likely yes, you have stuffed it up. WishesToFly makes a good point- for any job, there are people better than you after it. Your task is to persuade the employer that you are actually the best person for the job- you will fit it like a hand in a glove. How do you get around a potential prison record, or serious misdemeanor with an embarrassed grin.......' I got myself so blatted, Sir, I didn't know what I was doing!'. It sounds as stupid as it is. It's going to take a lot of water under the bridge to wear that one off.
That is the type of world Naverone is trying to enter. Not only did he get himself blasted to the level of uncontrollability, he has done something apparently imprisonable. What? More than get caught DUI? Knock someone over? Steal a car? Difficult to know without being aware of what he did, but it sounds like he has succeeded in barring himself for years from a desired career path. Sad to be a casualty, but maybe some good can come of it for others. There is no messing about with a flying career. Despite what you see in films, the world is turning to a VERY hard place. Increasingly, pilots cannot even think of drinking for days when they are working. Learn from it folks- a DUI conviction will see you out of your chosen career as quickly as a sexual harrassment these days. If you can't control yourself, you are not regarded as safe to operate public transport. People are increasingly being imprisoned for misbehaving with alcohol alone. But more than that to the extent of doing something else to be imprisoned for? Naverone- sorry to say, but likely yes, you have stuffed it up. WishesToFly makes a good point- for any job, there are people better than you after it. Your task is to persuade the employer that you are actually the best person for the job- you will fit it like a hand in a glove. How do you get around a potential prison record, or serious misdemeanor with an embarrassed grin.......' I got myself so blatted, Sir, I didn't know what I was doing!'. It sounds as stupid as it is. It's going to take a lot of water under the bridge to wear that one off.
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I've often wondered why there are any airline pilots at all who drink alcohol at any time. I'm tempted to think that anyone who is unwilling to abandon alcohol entirely for the sake of his career may have a problem with the drug already.
Perhaps all the Mormon and Saudi pilots out there have an advantage, since they know from personal experience that life is still worth living even without alcohol.
You can still lead a fulfilling existence and have great fun without alcohol. And surely, for pilots who fly because they love flying, the enjoyment of flying must dramatically outweigh any pleasure they get from taking mood-altering drugs. If not … well, perhaps they've chosen the wrong career/hobby. For me, the choice between alcohol (or any other drug) and flying through the clouds in an airplane is a no-brainer, and the drugs lose.
I know pilots who have been fired for drug use (and yes, alcohol is a drug), and I'm unable to summon any sympathy. They knew the rules, they blew it anyway, and they were fired. There are lots of people who will never occupy the captain's seat, not out of any lack of desire, but simply for reasons beyond their control (epilepsy, diabetes, even color blindness or asthma)—so it's hard to feel sorry for someone who voluntarily throws it all away.
Perhaps all the Mormon and Saudi pilots out there have an advantage, since they know from personal experience that life is still worth living even without alcohol.
You can still lead a fulfilling existence and have great fun without alcohol. And surely, for pilots who fly because they love flying, the enjoyment of flying must dramatically outweigh any pleasure they get from taking mood-altering drugs. If not … well, perhaps they've chosen the wrong career/hobby. For me, the choice between alcohol (or any other drug) and flying through the clouds in an airplane is a no-brainer, and the drugs lose.
I know pilots who have been fired for drug use (and yes, alcohol is a drug), and I'm unable to summon any sympathy. They knew the rules, they blew it anyway, and they were fired. There are lots of people who will never occupy the captain's seat, not out of any lack of desire, but simply for reasons beyond their control (epilepsy, diabetes, even color blindness or asthma)—so it's hard to feel sorry for someone who voluntarily throws it all away.