Does the FAA do a criminal background check for a pilot license?

The FAA does not conduct a traditional criminal background check when issuing pilot certificates. However, the FAA medical application (MedXPress Form 8500-8) asks about drug and alcohol history, and 14 C.F.R. § 61.15 requires you to self-report all drug/alcohol convictions and motor vehicle actions. For airline employment, the TSA conducts a Criminal History Records Check (CHRC) for airport security badge access, and the airline conducts its own background check.

Can a felon get a private pilot license?

Yes, a private pilot certificate is the most accessible for people with felony convictions. The FAA evaluates medical fitness (including drug/alcohol history) but does not disqualify based on criminal history alone. Non-drug/alcohol-related felonies are generally not a barrier. You will need to pass the medical exam, flight knowledge test, and practical test (checkride). Private pilots can also use BasicMed instead of a traditional FAA medical certificate in some cases.

Can a felon work for an airline?

It is possible but significantly harder than getting the pilot certificate itself. Airlines conduct extensive background checks and require TSA Criminal History Records Checks (CHRC) for SIDA badge access. The TSA's list of disqualifying offenses includes certain violent crimes, drug trafficking, and weapons offenses within the past 10 years. After the 10-year period, most offenses are no longer TSA-disqualifying, but the airline still has discretion in hiring decisions. Regional and cargo carriers may be more flexible than major passenger airlines.

Do I have to report a DUI to the FAA?

Yes. Under 14 C.F.R. § 61.15, you must report any alcohol-related motor vehicle conviction or administrative action (including DUI/DWI, license suspension or revocation for alcohol, and refusal of a blood alcohol test) to the FAA Civil Aviation Security Division within 60 days. You must also disclose it on your medical application. Two or more such actions within a 3-year period result in mandatory certificate denial or revocation for one year.

What is the HIMS program for pilots?

HIMS (Human Intervention Motivation Study) is the FAA's program for pilots with substance dependence diagnoses. It typically requires approximately 28 days of inpatient treatment at an FAA-approved facility, followed by years of ongoing monitoring: random drug and alcohol testing (typically 14 tests in the first year, then 6 per year), regular visits with a HIMS-trained Aviation Medical Examiner, peer monitoring, and participation in a recovery program. Thousands of pilots have returned to flying under HIMS agreements, and the program has a strong track record.

Can I be a flight instructor with a felony?

Yes. A Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate requires a commercial pilot certificate and a medical certificate, but no additional criminal background check. Since flight instruction typically occurs at training airports, the SIDA badge requirement (and associated TSA background check) may not apply at all locations. Flight instruction can be a viable career path that avoids the airline hiring process entirely.

What types of flying jobs can a felon get?

Beyond airlines, many commercial flying jobs may be accessible: flight instruction, agricultural aviation (crop dusting), banner towing, aerial photography/survey, pipeline/powerline patrol, skydive operations, corporate/charter flying for smaller operators, cargo/freight, helicopter work (EMS, tours, utility), and bush flying. These jobs vary in their background check requirements, and smaller operators may have more flexibility than major airlines.

Can a Felon Be a Pilot?

Last updated: 2026-04-01

Yes, in many cases a felon can become a pilot and earn an FAA pilot certificate. Unlike many licensed professions, the FAA does not have a blanket prohibition on issuing pilot certificates to people with felony convictions. The main barriers are drug- and alcohol-related: the FAA requires disclosure of all drug and alcohol convictions and any history of substance dependence, and two or more alcohol-related motor vehicle actions within a 3-year period trigger a mandatory denial. The TSA also conducts a Security Threat Assessment (STA) for certain certificates, which can be a barrier for some convictions. The biggest practical challenge is getting hired by an airline, since airlines conduct extensive background checks and the TSA requires an additional criminal history records check (CHRC) for airport personnel with access to secure areas.

You CAN likely get a pilot certificate if you...

✓Convicted of a non-violent, non-drug-related felony (property crimes, white-collar offenses) — the FAA does not automatically disqualify for these
✓Felony conviction was 10+ years ago with a clean record and documented rehabilitation
✓Completed all sentence requirements including probation and parole with no violations
✓Single DUI/DWI conviction (not within the last 2 years of application) — disclosed on FAA medical application
✓Record has been expunged or pardoned, and you can satisfy TSA security requirements
✓Felony did not involve aircraft-related terrorism, sabotage, or crimes against airport security

You CANNOT get a pilot certificate if you...

✗History of substance dependence without FAA-approved treatment
The FAA medical standards require disclosure of any history of substance dependence or substance abuse. A diagnosis of substance dependence is disqualifying for an FAA medical certificate unless you complete an FAA-approved Human Intervention Motivation Study (HIMS) program and comply with ongoing monitoring. Without the medical certificate, you cannot exercise pilot privileges (except for Sport Pilot under BasicMed in limited circumstances). (14 C.F.R. § 67.107/207/307)
✗Two or more alcohol-related motor vehicle actions within 3 years
Two or more alcohol-related motor vehicle actions (DUI/DWI convictions, administrative license suspensions, refusals) within a 3-year period result in mandatory denial or revocation of all FAA pilot certificates for one year from the date of the last action. This applies regardless of whether you currently hold a certificate. (14 C.F.R. § 61.15(c))
✗Failure to report drug/alcohol convictions to FAA within 60 days
Federal regulation requires you to report any alcohol- or drug-related motor vehicle action or conviction to the FAA Civil Aviation Security Division within 60 days. Failure to report is an independent basis for certificate denial or revocation, separate from the underlying conviction. (14 C.F.R. § 61.15(e))
✗Conviction of certain federal crimes related to aircraft or airport security
Certain federal crimes — including air piracy, interference with air navigation, carrying weapons aboard aircraft, and making false statements related to aircraft — carry severe penalties and will permanently disqualify you from holding any FAA certificate and from passing a TSA Security Threat Assessment. (49 U.S.C. § 46306-46316)
✗TSA Security Threat Assessment disqualification
The TSA conducts Security Threat Assessments for airmen certificates and airport security badges. Certain convictions — including espionage, sedition, treason, terrorism-related offenses, crimes involving transportation security, and certain violent felonies within the last 10 years — are disqualifying. The TSA's disqualifying crimes list is specific and not all felonies are included. (49 C.F.R. § 1542.209 / 49 U.S.C. § 44936)

Gray areas — it depends on your circumstances

Single DUI/DWI conviction

A single DUI/DWI does not automatically prevent you from getting a pilot certificate, but it must be reported to the FAA within 60 days and disclosed on your medical application. The AME (Aviation Medical Examiner) and FAA may require additional evaluation, substance abuse screening, or a period of monitoring. If it is your only alcohol-related incident and it occurred more than 2 years ago, most pilots can still obtain their medical certificate.

Drug possession convictions

Drug possession convictions must be disclosed and will trigger an FAA medical review. The FAA will want to evaluate whether you have a history of substance dependence or abuse. If the conviction was isolated, occurred years ago, and you can demonstrate sustained sobriety, you may be able to obtain a medical certificate — possibly with a Special Issuance requiring ongoing monitoring. Recent convictions or a pattern of drug involvement is much harder to overcome.

Non-violent felonies (fraud, theft, property crimes)

The FAA does not automatically disqualify for non-violent, non-drug-related felonies. Your main challenges will be: (1) passing the TSA Security Threat Assessment, (2) obtaining employment with an airline, and (3) disclosing the conviction honestly on applications. For private pilot purposes, these felonies are generally not a barrier to certification. For commercial aviation, the airline's background check is the bigger hurdle.

Violent felonies

Violent felonies are not an automatic FAA certificate bar, but they complicate the TSA Security Threat Assessment and make airline employment very difficult. The TSA's disqualifying crimes list includes certain violent offenses within the last 10 years. After 10 years, the TSA bar may no longer apply, but airlines conduct their own background checks and have broad discretion to deny employment.

FAA medical certificate with substance abuse history

If you have a history of substance abuse but not dependence, the FAA may issue a Special Issuance medical certificate with conditions: regular drug/alcohol testing, cognitive screening, and monitoring by a HIMS-trained AME. If you have substance dependence, you must complete the full HIMS program (approximately 28 days inpatient treatment, followed by years of monitoring). Many pilots successfully fly under HIMS agreements.

Pilot Certificate Types — How Each Level Is Affected

Certificate	Difficulty	Details
Student Pilot Certificate	Easiest	The student pilot certificate requires a medical certificate and a TSA citizenship/security check for non-U.S. citizens. For U.S. citizens, the primary barrier is the medical certificate, which requires disclosure of drug/alcohol history. Non-drug-related felonies are generally not a barrier at this stage.
Private Pilot Certificate	Moderate	The private pilot certificate allows you to fly for personal purposes but not for compensation. The FAA knowledge and practical tests do not include criminal background checks. The main barrier remains the medical certificate. Private pilots can also fly under BasicMed (using a regular driver's license and physician exam) if they previously held an FAA medical certificate.
Commercial Pilot Certificate	Moderate to Difficult	The commercial certificate allows you to fly for compensation. While the FAA does not disqualify for most felonies at the certification level, getting hired as a commercial pilot requires passing airline background checks and obtaining a SIDA (Security Identification Display Area) badge, which requires a TSA Criminal History Records Check. Certain felonies within the past 10 years are disqualifying for SIDA badges.
Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate	Difficult	The ATP is required for airline captains and is the highest pilot certificate. Same FAA certification barriers as commercial, but airline hiring standards are the most competitive. Major airlines conduct the most extensive background checks in the industry. Regional airlines may be more willing to consider older convictions. Drug/alcohol history remains the primary FAA barrier.

How to Become a Pilot — Step by Step

Report any drug/alcohol convictions to the FAA within 60 days

If you have any drug- or alcohol-related convictions or motor vehicle actions, federal regulation (14 C.F.R. § 61.15) requires you to report them to the FAA Security and Investigations Division within 60 days. Failure to report is an independent violation. If you have old unreported convictions, consult an aviation attorney before applying for any certificate.

Obtain an FAA medical certificate

Schedule an appointment with an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). You must disclose your complete medical history including all substance abuse, mental health treatment, and drug/alcohol convictions on the MedXPress application (FAA Form 8500-8). If you have substance abuse history, consider consulting a HIMS-trained AME first. The AME will examine you and either issue the certificate or defer to the FAA Aerospace Medical Certification Division (AMCD) in Oklahoma City for review.

Complete the HIMS program if required

If you have a history of substance dependence, you must complete the FAA's Human Intervention Motivation Study (HIMS) program before the FAA will issue a Special Issuance medical certificate. HIMS typically involves 28 days of inpatient treatment, followed by ongoing monitoring including random drug/alcohol testing, regular AME visits, and peer monitoring. Many pilots fly successfully under HIMS agreements for their entire careers.

Begin flight training and earn your certificates

Once you have your medical certificate, enroll in a Part 61 or Part 141 flight school. Progress through student, private, instrument, commercial, and multi-engine ratings. The FAA knowledge tests and practical tests (checkrides) do not include criminal background checks — the evaluation is purely about your aviation knowledge and flying skills.

Pass the TSA Security Threat Assessment

For non-U.S. citizens, the TSA requires a security check before flight training. For all pilots seeking employment at airports, the TSA conducts a Criminal History Records Check (CHRC) for SIDA badge access. Review the TSA's list of disqualifying and interim disqualifying offenses (49 C.F.R. § 1542.209) to understand if your conviction is a barrier. Disqualifying offenses have a 10-year lookback period for most crimes.

Build flight hours and apply to airlines or commercial operators

Most airline jobs require 1,500 hours of flight time (for the ATP certificate) and involve extensive background checks. Be upfront about your record — airlines check criminal history, employment history, and FAA records. Regional airlines and smaller commercial operators may be more flexible than major carriers. Consider non-airline commercial aviation: charter, cargo, corporate, agricultural, or flight instruction.

Take Action — Direct Links

FAA — Find an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME)
Search for FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiners in your area — this is your first step to getting a medical certificate
FAA MedXPress — Medical Application
Online system for completing your FAA medical application (Form 8500-8) — complete this before your AME appointment
TSA — Disqualifying criminal offenses for airport security
Information on TSA criminal history records checks and the list of disqualifying and interim disqualifying offenses for airport security badges
FAA HIMS Program — Substance abuse recovery for pilots
Information about the FAA's Human Intervention Motivation Study program for pilots with substance dependence — the pathway back to flying
14 C.F.R. § 61.15 — Offenses involving alcohol or drugs
Full text of the FAA regulation on drug/alcohol-related offenses and reporting requirements for pilots
AOPA — Resources for pilots with medical issues
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association medical resources — free guidance on navigating the FAA medical certification process

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a felon be a pilot?: Yes, in many cases. The FAA does not have a blanket prohibition on issuing pilot certificates to felons. The main FAA barriers are drug- and alcohol-related: substance dependence history, two or more alcohol-related motor vehicle actions within 3 years, and failure to report convictions. Non-drug-related felonies generally do not prevent you from earning a private or commercial pilot certificate. The bigger challenge is getting hired by an airline, which requires passing TSA and employer background checks.
Does the FAA do a criminal background check for a pilot license?: The FAA does not conduct a traditional criminal background check when issuing pilot certificates. However, the FAA medical application (MedXPress Form 8500-8) asks about drug and alcohol history, and 14 C.F.R. § 61.15 requires you to self-report all drug/alcohol convictions and motor vehicle actions. For airline employment, the TSA conducts a Criminal History Records Check (CHRC) for airport security badge access, and the airline conducts its own background check.
Can a felon get a private pilot license?: Yes, a private pilot certificate is the most accessible for people with felony convictions. The FAA evaluates medical fitness (including drug/alcohol history) but does not disqualify based on criminal history alone. Non-drug/alcohol-related felonies are generally not a barrier. You will need to pass the medical exam, flight knowledge test, and practical test (checkride). Private pilots can also use BasicMed instead of a traditional FAA medical certificate in some cases.
Can a felon work for an airline?: It is possible but significantly harder than getting the pilot certificate itself. Airlines conduct extensive background checks and require TSA Criminal History Records Checks (CHRC) for SIDA badge access. The TSA's list of disqualifying offenses includes certain violent crimes, drug trafficking, and weapons offenses within the past 10 years. After the 10-year period, most offenses are no longer TSA-disqualifying, but the airline still has discretion in hiring decisions. Regional and cargo carriers may be more flexible than major passenger airlines.
Do I have to report a DUI to the FAA?: Yes. Under 14 C.F.R. § 61.15, you must report any alcohol-related motor vehicle conviction or administrative action (including DUI/DWI, license suspension or revocation for alcohol, and refusal of a blood alcohol test) to the FAA Civil Aviation Security Division within 60 days. You must also disclose it on your medical application. Two or more such actions within a 3-year period result in mandatory certificate denial or revocation for one year.
What is the HIMS program for pilots?: HIMS (Human Intervention Motivation Study) is the FAA's program for pilots with substance dependence diagnoses. It typically requires approximately 28 days of inpatient treatment at an FAA-approved facility, followed by years of ongoing monitoring: random drug and alcohol testing (typically 14 tests in the first year, then 6 per year), regular visits with a HIMS-trained Aviation Medical Examiner, peer monitoring, and participation in a recovery program. Thousands of pilots have returned to flying under HIMS agreements, and the program has a strong track record.
Can I be a flight instructor with a felony?: Yes. A Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate requires a commercial pilot certificate and a medical certificate, but no additional criminal background check. Since flight instruction typically occurs at training airports, the SIDA badge requirement (and associated TSA background check) may not apply at all locations. Flight instruction can be a viable career path that avoids the airline hiring process entirely.
What types of flying jobs can a felon get?: Beyond airlines, many commercial flying jobs may be accessible: flight instruction, agricultural aviation (crop dusting), banner towing, aerial photography/survey, pipeline/powerline patrol, skydive operations, corporate/charter flying for smaller operators, cargo/freight, helicopter work (EMS, tours, utility), and bush flying. These jobs vary in their background check requirements, and smaller operators may have more flexibility than major airlines.

Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. FAA regulations, TSA requirements, and airline hiring policies change. Consult an aviation attorney or the FAA for advice about your specific situation.