DWI is a serious offense in Florida, no matter your occupation. However, it’s even more significant if you’re a pilot. Commercial pilots are responsible for the lives of hundreds and thousands of people every time they take to the skies, and operating any kind of vehicle while impaired is no small matter with the FAA.
If you do end up with a DWI charge, it’s crucial that you know how to handle the aftermath of the incident. Drunk driving can ruin your career, especially if you make any further mistakes afterward.
Reporting the DWI
The FAA mandates that any pilot involved in a driving while intoxicated incident report it to the FAA within 60 days. Failure to do so can have major consequences, up to the revocation of your license.
Keep in mind that the FAA requires you to report to the FAA Civil Action Security Division in Oklahoma City. Reporting to your local FSDO doesn’t put you in compliance with FAA rules. A report to the office in Oklahoma is the only one that will suffice.
Further consequences
If this is your first DWI offense and there aren’t additional mitigating circumstances, such as serious injuries or fatalities, it’s likely you’ll be able to be able to maintain your certification.
If you’ve received multiple DWIs, things become more uncertain. Pilots who have had two or more DWIs within a three-year period may be subject to revocation of their license. This makes it more critical that you take absolutely no risks and stay on the right side of the law.
Whether this is your first DWI, or you have had more than one, you must seek legal counsel if you want to stand a chance of keeping your license and saving your career. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and get the best possible outcome for your situation.