Pilots charged with a DUI/DWI offense while operating a motor vehicle face legal obligations with the FAA in addition to the potential risks under the laws of the state in which the DUI/DWI occurred.  Unfortunately, many of them never realize these potential obligations exist and they end up failing to meet the requirements the FAA has placed on all pilots.  The end result is that the airman certificate and medical certificate are jeopardized.

 

Because Mr. La Neve is an aircraft owner and pilot, he knows the value of the time and expense invested in obtaining an airman certificate and in owning an airplane.  His West Virginia DUI defense practice has made becoming well-versed on pilot DUIs a natural fit.  In addition to handling DUI defense, Mr. La Neve also represents pilots in FAA enforcement actions, those cases in which the FAA is seeking to take action against a pilot’s license or medical certificate.

 

The quick advice we offer is that if you are a pilot and suffer a DUI conviction or a driver’s license suspension, you must make appropriate reports and disclosures to the FAA.  The reporting obligation arises under 14 CFR 61.15(e), or FAR 61.15(e) as pilots commonly refer to sections of the Federal Aviation Regulations.  As well, that information must also be disclosed in block 18.v. of the Application for Airman Medical Certificate every time the pilot renews his or her medical, whether 1^st, 2^nd, or 3^rd class. 

 

Failure to honor these obligations can result in suspension, revocation, or denial of an airman certificate or a medical certificate.  Interestingly, depending on the specific circumstances of any given case, this punishment can be worse than what would have happened to the pilot had he or she simply made the required disclosure in the first place.

 

Remember, the FAA does not care if you were unaware of the reporting and disclosure obligations and will punish your failure to abide by your responsibilities.  In order to avoid the hazards associated with your reporting and disclosure obligations, review the following information and familiarize yourself with information that is important for you to understand when dealing with the FAA.  Of course, Todd La Neve is available to assist you in fulfilling those obligations.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Pilot DUIs

 

Sample Letter for FAR 61.15(e) reporting (PDF)

 

Sample FAA Application for Airman Medical Certificate

 

61.15 Offenses involving alcohol or drugs