I Destroyed My Pilot Dream in a Flash - Will I Get a Second Chance?

In my journey as a pilot, I made a mistake that shattered my dreams in an instant. I want to share my story to help others avoid the pitfalls I encountered and to offer guidance for those who find themselves in a similar situation. My aim is to provide insight into the consequences of poor decisions and to emphasize the importance of making the right choices from the start.
For those who have already made mistakes, I am here to offer hope and practical support. I understand the emotional and professional challenges you face, and I am committed to helping you navigate through these difficult times. Through my aviation consulting business, I will provide expert advice on handling DUI issues and certification revocations, offering personalized strategies to get your career back on track. Together, we will work towards a second chance, transforming setbacks into opportunities for growth and resilience.
I'm here to help you navigate the process and get back on track. Click the link below for assistance.
Certificate Suspension or Revocation, HIMMS Program & DUI Consultation:
bio.brian-your-flying-mentor....
Check out my website for more great resources.
www.Flying-Mentor.com

[@flyingmentor]

This is my story. It took a lot to get up the courage to tell my story on KZbin. I'm doing this because I know that there are people out there who need help. And I'm putting myself out there to help those who need it.

[@hh1n]

"I had it all". I had a great friend, a fellow instructor, a newly certified A/P, and a former ROK airframe mechanic. He was an awesome guy, and I have never met anyone more passionate about aviation. He died in his Kia one evening after a drunk driver jumped the median and smashed him head-on. You didn't learn your lesson the first time, you didn't report the conviction, and you willingly withheld information from the FAA on your medical application. You should not be frustrated with the process, you should be thankful you have the opportunity to try again. My buddy doesn't.

[@JonnyKlausmeyer]

“Make it make sense…” I don’t particularly like this saying, simply because that burden rests firmly on you. It’s not up to anyone else to “make it make sense.” If you haven’t made it make sense for yourself by now, here’s why the FAA makes you go though that process: When you lied on the 8500 by saying you had not had a DUI, you committed a felony. The FAA decided not to prosecute you, and instead they punished you in a completely different way by making you pay crazy money to get everything back. Honestly, they did you a favor. You don’t have that felony on your record, you’re just out a lot of money and a lot more time. I believe you can get it back, and you will be flying someday, but there should never be a moment that you paint yourself as a victim. That’s not going to do you any favors. You’re already on the right track by admitting your mistake and correcting it the right way. If you keep that up, you will be unstoppable in my humble opinion. I’m not trying to be negative, but in aviation we all have to be very, very real. Not a lot of room for mistakes. You’ve got to be on your A game at all times.

[@flyingmentor]

@@JonnyKlausmeyer I can see your point and appreciate your opinion. I'm taking full ownership of my situation. I know I'm to blame for getting myself into trouble. I was just venting when I said that. I would not play the victim because it's my own self sabotaging that got me in this situation.

[@flyingmentor]

@@JonnyKlausmeyer I don't think your comment is negative. The process isn't fair towards GA pilots. It is absolute hell if you're not an airline pilot. Once an airline pilot completes the exact same program they go back to work, business as usual. Because I'm not currently flying for an airline or any company. I have to take all the writtens and checkrides all over again. That's the part that doesn't really make sense to me. That part isn't fair. At the same time I brought this on myself and this is what I have to do to get back on track. This whole situation is 100% my fault. I made this shit sandwich and now I have to eat it. Bon Appetite!

[@RetreadPhoto]

@@flyingmentor not true, sometimes ATPs lose their tickets too, they’re not given a free ride. Reference the well-known pilot who flew under a bridge in Cincinnati a while back. Had to start at ground zero.

[@flyingmentor]

@@RetreadPhoto Are you referring to Martha Lunken? 78yr old GA pilot who flew under a bridge in Cincinnati. She has over 14K hrs, flight instructor for a flight school she runs, and a former FAA safety inspector. Not an airline pilot.

[@marissaromero]

super proud of you for sharing your journey and being vulnerable, this is going to be so helpful to several pilots on their journeys

[@flyingmentor]

Thank you so much! You know how hard this was for me to do. I really do hope this helps someone.

[@ChrisCokeRobinson]

@@flyingmentor At 3:10 you lost me and many others. You have a problem with DUI, you're not cut out to be a pilot. It's that simple.

[@VintageAirForce]

This is definitely the real you and I am here for it! Keep ya head up and keep pushing forward. This video is going to help someone in need. Thank you for being so open about your situation.

[@HeavyMetalPilot0451]

Hey man, good for you for being so honest about this. It sounds like with your tenacity, you will make it. I hope to hear you on the radio soon up in the flight levels!

[@vernsgarage5432]

Brian, your passion for aviation is clear. Thanks for sharing your story and keep it going!

[@tinoferrulli8581]

Coming forward is BIG step. AS a pilot, we are also judged on the decisions we make, and their timeliness. I would ask you to consider your ability to make good decisions, since this is a requirement as a pilot. Generally people that make bad decisions continually, don't make great pilots. A bad decision in the air can take lives. Ask yourself if your decision making skills are there, and if not, that should be your number 1 feat in life to improve upon before taking to the air. Again, you took the first step admitting to how many poor decisions you've made, but how do get this behind you forever, and then you can ask yourself if your ready to become a commercial pilot. Your life depends on it, along with others. Stay focused, and thank you for listening to me.

[@roccoVAL]

Really hoping things work out and you're back flying again soon

[@RetreadPhoto]

Stopped watching it at 3:25. Shows that it shouldn’t have been dismissed. Some people shouldn’t be pilots if they’re flying other people, who can’t ask to be let out.

[@nightcrawler7525]

Thanks for sharing your story brother , keep your head high . We are humans we all make mistakes . I recently unsat my commercial stage check and that just crushed me but I am also trying my best to get back there and pass it this time . Keep up the good work and don’t quit till u achieve your dream

[@flyingmentor]

Thank you for the kind words! You'll get'em on the next try. Keep pushing!!!

[@ProPilotPete]

Owning up to it says a lot. Good luck with the journey back.

[@flyingmentor]

Thank you!

[@CuriousSoulCanada]

Sending you Love from Canada. You had the strength to show your vulnerable spot and that is a valuable lesson to the young

[@flyingmentor]

@@CuriousSoulCanada Thank you so much!

[@ShadesOClarity]

I have a friend who was a former Captain for FedEx who got a DWI. The day after it happened they called him before he had a chance to report it. He was basically told either he go to treatment or he was out of a job. He went to treatment and was able to return to flying. I am sorry this happened. I wanted to be a pilot at one time. I too had DWIs happen. I hope you can overcome this stuff, man. It takes guts to tell the truth. Good luck. I have a sober channel and I do that to help myself and possibly help others through my experience.

[@Mohamed_Abd1]

I just watched your story, and I wanted to offer some words of encouragement. We all make mistakes, and it takes courage to be honest about them. Stay strong, and know that many of us support you.

[@flyingmentor]

@@Mohamed_Abd1 Thank you so much!!!

[@MarketAssetAvenue-mu2on]

Damn homie! You've been dealing with this for 7 years! Keep grinding bro! I'm supporting you! 💪💯

[@franciscofoy414]

This is so important to hear and I thank you for sharing the information and the journey. Keep at it but most of all Pray about this.

[@flyingmentor]

Thank you so much for the kind words. I really appreciate you!

[@CEOKREID]

So glad I watch this. Glad bless you on your journey.

[@antoniog9814]

This is the best example of why being honest pays off in life. Many people get wrapped up in the here & now and they think they can cut corners, but it never fails and it will catch up with you in the end. The good thing is it's not too late. You can still get back on the horse. Keep doing your thing, brother.

[@flyingmentor]

@@antoniog9814 Thank you for the kind words.

[@DavidMassey-te8qg]

You are an inspiration. You made some mistakes but you’ve admitted them and are moving forward toward your dream. Your message should be heard by all. The power of taking responsibility and never giving up on what’s important. Hang in there man, you’ll get there and in addition you have a strong message we all need to hear. Thank you

[@flyingmentor]

@@DavidMassey-te8qg Thank you so much!

[@RetreadPhoto]

@@DavidMassey-te8qg admitting mistakes is not as important as proving you learn from them and don’t repeat them.

[@discernablewind6984]

I appreciate YOU TAKING RESPONSIBILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY for YOUR ACTIONS AND MISSTEPS. I am a retired rescue diver and firefighter who is embarking on my own pilot dream. I cannot express how much of a SAFETY MINDSET IS ESSENTIAL AT ALL TIMES. It is the cornerstone when YOU ARE RISKING YOUR LIFE TO PROTECT OTHERS. Let THAT sink in. If YOU have disregard for YOUR OWN SAFETY, how are you going to be with the lives of strangers you are to fly from point A to point B??? I PRAY FOR YOUR CONTINUED GROWTH, BROTHER. You have the potential to be a great aviator and a representative to others as an inspiration. DO NOT FAIL YOURSELF AGAIN. There are other careers in aviation you can be a part of. There are no mistakes. ONLY LESSONS. Godspeed to you!!🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 No… I will never experience flying for any major airline companies…. But I WILL FLY AS LONG AS I CAN AND BEYOND. 🛩️👨🏽‍✈️🛩️👨🏽‍✈️🛩️👨🏽‍✈️🛩️👨🏽‍✈️🛩️👨🏽‍✈️

[@ValterAbilio-lx8tn]

Keep your head up Brian

[@VintageAirForce23]

Go get it brother!

[@dfdla]

That was painful to hear and I'm sure it was many more times painful for you to tell. Please stay strong in your determination. I wish you well in your endeavor and look forward to the day you tell us of your ultimate success. May God bless you.

[@flyingmentor]

@@dfdla Thank you so much!

[@FitnessFriend-bw8fv]

Love the transparency❤

[@chiibekwe7665]

Man, thank you for your courage to share.

[@jp4163]

Take the writtens all over again??!! That gave me the shivers. Get back on your horse man. You can do it. Persistence .....God gave it to you. Don't stop. Thanx for sharing. Please post more videos on your progress. I am subscribing. You should start a consulting business to help pilots. Get partnered with an aviation lawyer.

[@smflyboy]

I respect your honesty and you show courage to come out and be transparent. Man, you could have made life so much easier if you had just faced the issues in the beginning, much less just not getting that second DUI! Those are some painful lessons for sure. However, you can get yourself back on the path. The journey might look a little different, but it can still be blessed and something really good could come out of it. I can tell you for sure that this video helped me….I will definitely not drink and drive from here on out. It hadn’t really occurred to me that I could lose my flying privileges. Keep pushing forward…you’re still young and have time to get it all back on track and reach your potential!

[@flyingmentor]

@@smflyboy Thank you! I'm glad that this video helped you. That was my reason for making the video, to help others.

[@aviationkingz5505]

Think you for sharing this story I really needed to hear this

[@flyingmentor]

No problem, I'm here to help people out.

[@IslandCreek]

Thank you.. this video was very important for people to hear..

[@jasonrundles]

Appreciate your honesty, can not wait to see you on the other side

[@1marclyn]

Tbh I almost skipped this video but this Is the realest video you’ve posted thus far. Appreciate you being able to talk about this publicly. In my opinion drop the gimmicks and be you! Don’t give up do what you gotta do and be the better version of you!

[@flyingmentor]

Thank you for the feedback and your honesty. Thank you for the words of encouragement!

[@hifiandrew]

Some careers require much higher standards, doctors, police, pilots... glad to hear the system worked and kept someone out who doesn't have the maturity to be a pilot. Doesn't make you a bad person, there's plenty of other jobs and careers out there where you can lead a productive life. Those jobs with responsibilities that involve life and death can and should require a higher standard. I was hired to be a cop (but quit on my own accord), the hoops they make you jump through are hard but they're there for a reason. Giving up on a dream is hard but sometimes it takes maturity knowing when to give up. And you make a good argument, maybe it should be easier to yank credentials for existing pilots who demonstrate similar poor judgement.

[@RetreadPhoto]

@@hifiandrew I wouldn’t say cops have higher moral or behavior standards, and in many cases not even higher physical standards. They don’t deserve to be listed with doctors and pilots, in terms of their standards. We SET a high standard for them, but they may not set it for themselves.

[@viperdriver82]

At least it sounds like there is a path back ....hope u get through bro

[@scottmoseley5122]

You must really have passion for aviation to keep at and not quit. You can make it! You can do it. looking forward to your successful life and aviation story.

[@RetreadPhoto]

@@scottmoseley5122 have you ever seen these types of stories end well?

[@AirbusPilotMark]

I’m an airline captain at a major airline, and I’m also a lawyer and former prosecutor. I’m going to be a little harsh, but try to give you some suggestions. 1. Stop complaining. It doesn’t matter that some airline pilots may have been convicted of DWI and didn’t lose their ticket. YOU are SOLELY responsible for you particular situation and are not an airline pilot.. No one else is responsible. However, I know you’re frustrated. 2. Seek out and hire an aviation lawyer who is familiar with helping pilots get their licenses back due to DWI. They will be familiar with the actual procedures and likely have contacts within the FAA that can help. 3. STOP DRINKING! NEVER have another drink. It has damn near ruined your life already. No need to say more. 4. Get your ratings back ASAP. It’ll be a little expensive, but shouldn’t take more than a month? While you’re at it, get your ATP. 5. Don’t give up. The airlines are still hiring, but for how long? I’d say you have a few years to get onboard, but the door will close tight eventually. Good luck!

[@MI325A]

Hi, Brian. Just a quick note to say I'd like to share some insights that came to me while viewing this humble and no pun intended, sobering, video. Which is the best way to contact you directly other than YT to share those insights as well as share some personal issues I've been dealing with? Thank you. Have a great and safe day.

[@cobblerwillorange]

Not a pilot here: This video is definitely a road map of what not to do if you want to be any kind of pilot. I cannot say how much I appreciate the honesty. I hope you find a new dream.

[@Pete-k9m]

I got a DWI in the past… I decided to get my 3rd medical and became a student. The FAA sent me a letter and wanted me to go see a HIMS doctor to get evaluated, the process is long and expensive and the HIMS doctors are far away from where I live. At this point my medical expired and I decided to stop pursuing a pilot license. Watching this is giving me hope and am in a position to start up again.

[@flyingmentor]

@@Pete-k9m You are the reason I'm putting myself out there and telling my story. I want to help people just like you. Stay Motivated and keep pushing!

[@gtm624]

Dang man. As a fellow student pilot 🤭, a fellow aviator, I truly hope you figured out what it was that caused you to sabotage yourself. You’ll come out on top man. Had you followed the proper channels in the first place I guarantee they wouldn’t have made you go through all the check rides but failing to report was likely the cause of that. But man it will make you a stronger and better pilot. Is it a bad thing to get a good refresher. No. I bet you’ll pick up stuff you missed or lost. Please brother take care of yourself. You deserve your dreams and to achieve all your goals. Hope to see you on the ramps sometime

[@flyingmentor]

Thank you for the kind words. I definitely have figured it out and I'll make a video about it soon. Hopefully it will help someone else out.

[@gtm624]

@@flyingmentor that’s great man! Look forward to hearing your story of perseverance! At the end of the day. Earth is a school. This life we are in is just one grade of many in one school of many. All that crap we were beaten with as a kid about sin and hell was all just projecting fear to control people. We just don’t want to get stuck on the wheel of karma repeating the same lessons over and over again not learning the lesson. The lesson will continue to appear until we learn what we are supposed to learn from it.

[@DavidGlick-tf4fk]

How long after you lied on your 1st Class Medical application did it take them to catch the discrepancy and flag you?

[@-Wreckanize-]

I’ve often said this, if I ever achieve my dream of obtaining my ppl, I will quit alcohol, even though I only have a drink a week max. Even when I was training for sometime towards my flight hours, I had quit alcohol for over a year just for mental sharpness. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@Shutemoffplease]

Diet starts on Monday lol Start now

[@marcorussellOG]

I agree with you that you should get your pilots license and credentials back if you complete the program. That said, they are making it harder to you because you failed to report to the FAA in 60 days and you lied on documents. You are not just paying for the DUI, you are paying for not fessing up and trying to cover it up. Having said all that I support your journey and hope that you make it through. In fact, I'm rooting for you.

[@flyingmentor]

@@marcorussellOG Thank you for the kind words!

[@mylayovers7233]

I have heard some pilots hired by regional with DUI. It is not end of your aviation career. I would recommend stop drinking alcohol. DOT commercial operator limits .04% of BAC. That's absolute minimum. Alcohol contributes poor decision making, oxygen carrying capability and so much other adverse effect. Your decision, operating vehicle under influence, is weak. Now, quit alcohol/cigarette, maintain healthy diet, exercise. I don't know how old you are, but once you hit over 40, you will need to take physical exam twice a year.

[@andystampfli9127]

No one needs to be kicked when they are down. You know you messed up and admit to it. IF you only had the 1... IF you would have danced the line... IF you could have been THIS man in 2017. Honestly this may have been a good thing because it got you to meet you today. Keep trying, be honest and good luck. We as people, the person inside you, are the only thing holding us back. Keep trying

[@MatyasArby]

Make it make sense: They self reported. That's usually the only reason they are allowed that program. It's a disciplined industry, and it's all about self-discipline and good judgement. You're wanting a job where you have to be responsible not only for yourself, but the lives of other's and the reputation and liability of your company. Now you have the opportunity to affirm that commitment.

[@manifestgtr]

Here’s the thing with DUIs, how the FAA probably sees them and why they might be indicative of a bigger issue. A DUI means you got *caught* drinking and driving. Some people get “unlucky” and get snagged the first time they ever drink and drive. Some people drive drunk for years before getting nailed. When you’re operating heavy, expensive machinery that’s loaded with energy…kinetic, thermal, potential, mechanical, the works…society has to know that you’re in your right mind. We necessarily err on the side of “this is probably an issue” because of the stakes. Honestly, on the continuum of outcomes for this situation, this isn’t that bad. They could’ve just slammed the door shut and said that’s that. Reddit and the various nerd forums are loaded with these types of stories and the outcome is usually “denied this, revoked that”. Second and even third chances in aviation are an almost unimaginable privilege when you zoom out and look at the bigger picture.

[@flashoflight8160]

First of all, I appreciate your belated honesty and courage. I think that gives you some bonus points. I believe in redemption and second chances. That being said, I would not want you to be flying me as a passenger as of right now. Here is why. You said on this video it was just bad luck you got pulled over for DUI1. Every single person I personally know with a DUI has a drinking problem because they didn't catch you the other 99 times of DUI driving. I was really, really hoping you had some proof of being sober for the past 8 years in a row and the FAA was being unfair despite proof of rehab and sobriety. But you didn't admit to a drinking problem in the video and proceeded to get DUI2 shortly after DUI1, which means either you really drink a lot or you have incredibly bad luck with the cops. You really have to work on your alcoholism as priority #1 rather than the FAA. Every day you say this FAA process is unfair means you are at day zero of your alcohol rehab. If you ever admit to your addiction, rehab to gain lifetime sobriety (100% abstention from alcohol for life) in the 2030s, then I would support you trying to become a commercial pilot and would gladly get on your plane. Finally, have you considered a different career? Changing your career is an honorable and practical decision. Although you can win a poker game with 8-2 offsuit hand, it's real hard and you're probably better off folding and preserving your bankroll.

[@noahtessier]

This comment hit all the nails on their heads. Two DUIs is a sign of something more serious that isn’t being shown Not to be negative, but my big takeaway is that, for a “confession” of sorts, nowhere in this video does he seem to be taking responsibility for the dangers driving while intoxicated puts on innocent people. As a pilot it is critical to understand the responsibility you have in regard to the lives of others. The entire video is, “I screwed everything up for me, myself, and I.” Without any regard to the people this also could have affected. Narcissism has no place in the cockpit. Honestly, lots of self reflection still needs to take place before continuing this career path. Not just for him, but for the sake of anyone who is a passenger in his plane.

[@stanleydimitrov9182]

Uber Uber Uber when you drink

[@outletpictures]

All that matters is who you are now. From what I’ve taken away from your video, you are owning up to your mistakes and working to regain the trust of the FAA. I believe in you. Looking forward to seeing you in the skies - it’s not over yet; tap into the power inside of you --Philippians 4:13!

[@cmritchie04]

The only thing a DUI does on the FAA side is prevent you from apply for any certificate(s) or rating for a 1 year duration start time from the day of convection. You can get records expunged over time. I don't know why you don't have a legal services plan either one you buy from your employer or from AOPA?

[@flyingmentor]

Thank you for your comment, I'll look into it.

[@damenprice3752]

Two or more really complicates getting a medical.

[@bryonraper3506]

So when he applies to a 135 company, they will ask “can you fly to Canada?” If the answer is no then the answer is no. Canada doesn’t believe in second chances for American pilots flying in with a dui.

[@terrellb5717]

It's definitely some haters in this thread. I'm glad you told this story, I'm doing HIMMS just to get a private pilot license. Hey, it's nice to know I'm not alone and things like this happen

[@RetreadPhoto]

@@terrellb5717 I’d rather fly with a hater than a drunk pilot or bad decision maker and unnecessary risk taker.

[@damenprice3752]

No alcohol and automobiles people, I cannot stress this enough.

[@delvedigital9411]

I'm glad you seem to have changed. But TWO DUIs is insane. There's really no excuse for it and then you lied on the Medical form.... I wish you luck brother but not sure what you were thinking

[@TrubDeu2e]

Man I just took my first class medical. And I have a felony, gun charge in case yall are wondering. And they just referred me to the FAA. Got me hella nervous that they're gonna deny me. And I was honest on my questions. Wish me luck as I'm waiting on the FAA at this moment

[@ron1969]

Good choices; Good life. Bad choices; Bad life. You’re in this position as a result of your poor choices. Grow up dude and take your life seriously.

[@timw6697]

Tenacity man! Tenacity! You got this!

[@rayg5600]

You can go through all the channels to get your license back, but the Airlines frowns on substance abuse and usually look over cases like yours.

[@flyingmentor]

@@rayg5600 You're absolutely right.

[@FeltonZackery-gm8yl]

Pay an aviation attorney to get your driving record expunged.

[@flyingmentor]

@@FeltonZackery-gm8yl Thank you for the advice.

[@nancywilkes9830]

Brian it took courage to get in front of the camera and speak the truth. Do you have a mentor?

[@matthewpellegrino4926]

WHY, because YOU were deceptive from the beginning where as the airline pilot reported it...BIG difference...You made a mistake, had you reported it, as you were aware you are required to, it very well may have turned out different..good luck.

[@BlackEmpress-eg4tn]

Stat FOCUS!!! KNOW your limit!!!

[@Samalyzer45]

The poor decision-making that you've shown, the lack of candor, and the inattention to detail are exactly the opposite of what is required of a commercial pilot who flies carrying passengers. While it's possible that you may be able to fight your way back into the profession, I certainly wouldn't care to be on a passenger flight that you were piloting.

[@stewartadams1952]

I would love to talk and get some support from you sir.

[@alexsze5455]

Part 135 is always a good plan B when u get ur certs back

[@renefeijen5916]

Thanks for your honest video. I have a comment though. I miss a very very very important thing. The passengers perspective!! THEY are lucky, and you are lucky, that they are still alive. I understand your focus on your career, and that is a good thing, but you write it is sometimes hard to be motivated: well: be motivated by the health of your passengers!! IMHO that should be your first, second and third motivation. Look in the mirror and ask that guy: will you be able to forever stay off the alcohol when I am (about to go) flying!! It takes just ONE single mistake to get all on board the plane killed. Try to realize that the painful effort you are now going through for years, and I understand that is hard, is nothing compared to the grief of relatives who lost their lives because of you drinking. I am not saying or suggesting you are a alcoholic, in this perspective, I can't tell, and in an abstract way I don't care (although for you and anybody I hope they are not) but it takes for everyone just 1 too many drink (even if it would be the only drink in their entire life) to kill everybody on a plane. A DUI is not a mistake. It is not a legal problem. It is you potentially killing others (and not even being aware of that, alcohol degrades your self-assessment). Bear that in mind. I wish you good luck with your career, and stay away from alcohol or any other substances. Life can be good with orange juice as well! René, student microlight pilot, MD

[@flyingmentor]

Thank you for your feedback and providing me your opinion from a passenger perspective. I really appreciate it. Through this process I'm working hard on myself and I'll become a person from this.

[@AlanTheBest97]

I personaly think US laws are pretty absurd. DUI in my country is only a felony if you get into an accident. If you get pulled over you only get a VERY expensive fine. And even if you get arrested you wont loose your pilot license unless you actualy fly drunk. Major airlines probably wont hire you for a while but your license is a separate thing. You are not supposed to report a thing.

[@donjude9585]

It's going to be okay my friend... If you allow it to be. It's entirely up to you... Just keep this in mind... This experience, a NOT so fine day, in the future may save yours & hundreds of other lives who are aboard that day ... The day will come when your judgement is the difference between life & death. It could be as simple as the presure to pay bills requiring paid turns & choice to go or not when facing fatigue or marginal weather for your equipment. Never forget you are endeavoring to work in one of the most unforgiving careers with relationship to judgement.... Though this is a seemingly massively unfair situation... Don't just make the best of it... Make it an opportunity. Your opportunity to become the best. An opportunity to work on whatever your weakest attributes were & to have a deeper understanding of the attributes which you excelled at your 1st time around. If you choose to make this an opportunity & not just a chore to endure will be the difference between becoming a good or great pilot and being an extraordinary pilot in the chair & a true gentleman in life. Either way - it's your choice.

[@nyrubin]

I still think you should take this video down lol

[@jmizzonini]

Ugh bro I feel for ya as a person but man!! unfortunately you proved a very consistent pattern of poor decision making with all that junk, not reporting etc. And bet that this video at least impacts some people. good luck out there.

[@FsnGoldandSilver]

Never forget America is the land of 2nd and 3rd chances.

[@flyingmentor]

@@FsnGoldandSilver Yes Indeed!

[@fionajarnefeldt1024]

That honor goes to Norway because Norwegian prison guards treat prisoners humanely and with respect. Their prisons look better than my college campus too.

[@scottstp7084]

“Flying mentor”. . . for whom??

[@bigqbeatsproductions639]

The aviation industry is 99.9% Caucasian and you go on social media and tell people why no airline should ever hire you. You want to fly precious cargo (Humans) for a living?! As an African American man, you already beat the odds becoming a pilot. I'm also an instrument rated pilot taking my commercial checkride next week, and the amount of BS I've had to go through dealing with people who don't want me to be successful is Ludacris!! I also live in Missouri and racism still exists out here my friend. I don't judge all for the mistakes of a few, but damn man!! It's already bad enough that the new trend is to discredit a hardworking man or woman of color and blame DEI for where they are in life. Start with AA, then focus on getting back those credentials. Don't let social media pressure you in sharing things that you should keep to yourself. Goodluck.

[@martystern5643]

Wise words

[@scottbeyer101]

I guess I spend too much time on reddit/flying. You are NOT alone. There must be a couple posts a week detailing much of the same. A couple of things: The question on the medical asks "have you been ARRESTED for DUI?" Not convicted. Lying on a federal form is another huge mistake. An airline pilot would get fired for that. You are right about airlines supporting their pilots through HIMMS, but not if the lied to the feds -- and the company. Even the incredibly powerful pilots union can't save a pilot from getting fired for cause. From the examples I have read, you will need to be sober for a long ass time before your neuro-psych is gonna sign off. Anyway, on a constructive note, maybe surf through the hundreds of threads on reddit/flying. Yeah, there is a lot of bad info and noise to sift through, but there is some honest experience and guidance in there as well.

[@user-mg2oq1od2t]

Were you drinking?

[@LowandFast357]

You sleep in the bed you make. Which you've admitted, and we all appreciate that. But you've demonstrated that you don't learn things the easy way; you take the road less traveled. That comes with consequences, brother. You should know that in aviation, there's little tolerance for this. People's lives are in your hands, and decision-making is everything. You've demonstrated an inability to make good decisions in common-sense situations. No offense at all, but I wouldn't put my family in an aircraft with you. Not right now anyway. I'm sure you're a super cool person, and we'd get along just fine outside of aviation. Would you put your mother, wife, kids, dog, whatever, in the hands of someone who might not be ready for that responsibility? But here's the thing: give it some time, keep working towards success, and without any more bad decisions or lies, you'll have another shot. You're only human, and we all make mistakes. Promise you're going to get your chance. The FAA and others want to see you work for it. Not according to your own understanding and assessment but theirs. It has to be this way. You'll make it to 121 or 135, just not yet... Not enough time has passed for folks to truly believe you've become a different person. These are just the facts, my friend. Yes, 121 and 135 guys have a different recovery path than you, mainly because so much time and money has already been invested in them by the operators. It makes more sense to rehabilitate them and keep them employed than it does to replace them. Promise you, though, if they had more than one DUI and also multiple false statements submitted, they'd be unemployed. You cannot compare your situation to theirs. They're not equal. God bless and keep on pushing. Never give up and you'll get there.

[@johnhill2927]

reporting a DUI to the FAA "only if convicted," not when arrested, not during court, no matter how long it takes. only when convicted, the 30 or 60 days to report starts. Don't snitch on yourself.

[@MrDbrault]

Thats not entirely correct. The reporting requirement is not just convictions....its any "reportable administrative events". So even a license suspension at arraignment is reportable. On top of that, the arrest itself is reportable at the next medical exam....regardless of conviction.

[@johnhill2927]

@@MrDbrault you're correct about suspended license, but I was talking specifically about DUI, not other reportable events like you pointed out.

[@benclayden8670]

Every FAA Medical application asks if you have EVER been Arrested for operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. There is no getting around this and must be reported at every renewal. The language was changed from “convicted” to “arrested” about 15 years ago.

[@brandonmohammed5715]

We all pay Pay

[@steven2145]

ADM....it is just ADM.

[@viperdriver82]

Bro ..u must be crazy ....in this day and age u think u could hide that from the feds ??

[@topofthegreen]

DUI is a career ending event. Aviation is very unforgiven is not tolerant of mistakes.

[@ericsd55]

Not true. I fly with many pilots that have DUIs at my airline. I know many more that work at other airlines. They are all sober now, which makes the difference.

[@flyingmentor]

@@ericsd55 Thank you for sharing this. This process has been brutal and it's tough staying motivated at times.

[@flyingmentor]

@@topofthegreen I won't ever give up. I won't ever accept defeat. There's a way and I'm going to find it.

[@scottstp7084]

@@ericsd55 Yea but try getting a deuce before getting your first flying job AND then not reporting it to your AME and then getting all your ratings pulled.

[@morton.aviation]

😂

[@user-mg2oq1od2t]

I would never fly with you

[@utah20gflyer76]

My impression from watching your video is that you have some very self destructive behavior patterns. Undoubtedly you picked these up in childhood and never adequately addressed them as you became an adult. Drinking to intoxication and driving while intoxicated means you have a problem with alcoholism, alcoholism being the avoidance of emotional pain. Another issue is that you irrationally avoid the consequences of your actions. Both of these are not good traits for a pilot to possess. If I had to guess I would say that in childhood you felt powerless about some sort of unhealthy situation you were in and picked avoidance as a coping mechanism. I applaud your efforts to stop avoiding and confront things head on, but would recommend you go back to the origination of the problem because that will help you understand yourself and therefore make it easier to change yourself for the better. I did this myself and it made a huge difference in my life. Unless you know why you made those choices it’s going to be very difficult to make different choices.

[@pejay6287]

On the money.

[@bwjbrown]

If you had a good attorney... s/he would have advised you to not post this testimonial. We've all made mistakes... but you just didn't make a mistake, you made a series of damning choices all while pursuing a career in a field that notoriously punishes poor decision making at the bottom of a smoldering crater. The safety rules are written in blood and you repeatedly committed 1, 2, and 3 of the 5 FAA posted hazardous attitudes of aviation - anti-authority, impulsivity, and invulnerability. And somewhere in your thought process... you think you can legitimately charge $600 for 2 hours to 'help' people? Help yourself first.

[@edwardmuthee]

Well put

[@francof-il1mx]

Just because you own the issue, which is remarkable, you shouldn’t be able to fly commercial. 2 DUIs in a few months should disqualify you from any public service. I hope the airline will have transparency on their hires and reward pilots who keep it straight. Keep your private license and have fun as a hobby but you just don’t have it to transport hundreds of people and colleagues.

[@garypugh1153]

I don't ever see airline pilots with a beard!😊 need clean white shirt, and a hat with wings , 😊

[@ezragonzalez8936]

D Sick of hearing it was a "mistake" 2 fukking drunk driving arrests in one year is reckless and you have ni bussiness driving let alone flying passangers!

[@iMatti00]

Honestly, I might’ve lied to the FAA too. Lol