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Is it possible to become a pilot in the UK with a criminal record?

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    $\begingroup$ If you have minor stuff as "3 points on your driving licence", "1000 debt", "Parking ticket", etc. I don't think you will be much affected. But then again, sometimes the decision making is purely discretional. Just like a motorway cop can pull you over and have a serious chat with you, but not necessarily give you ticket. Obviously, if you have been banned as a DUI driver, chances are that you will be rejected $\endgroup$
    – hagubear
    Oct 23 '14 at 14:27
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    $\begingroup$ What kind of a commercial pilot do you want to be? Do you want to be a flight instructor? A pilot for an airline? Do you want to tow advertising banners? $\endgroup$
    – usernumber
    Oct 23 '14 at 15:02
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    $\begingroup$ @hagubear Are points on a driving license "minor" in this sense? "I was prosecuted for doing bad things while controlling a vehicle" sounds quite serious when you're applying for a job controlling a vehicle in an industry which is very keen on safety. $\endgroup$
    – David Richerby
    Dec 6 '14 at 12:00
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British Airways has this to say:

If you have been cautioned, warned or convicted of a criminal offence (other than parking offences) we suggest you check whether you will be able to obtain an airside pass by visiting www.dft.gov.uk.

In order to be employed as a pilot with British Airways you will be required to undergo a Criminal Record Check for every country in which you have been a resident, or worked in, for 6 months or more in the past 3 years.

Admittedly, the DFT's website is a maze of information, and it seems very difficult to find any information; I'd suggest giving them a call, to find out for your particular convictions.

Airside Manager has some more detailed information on airside passes, in general.

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    $\begingroup$ wording seems to suggest it would depend on the actual crimes (type, number, and timeframe). A conviction for shoplifting is less likely to get your blocked from getting an airside pass than a conviction for drugs traficking I'd warrant to guess for example. $\endgroup$
    – jwenting
    Apr 23 '14 at 7:02
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    $\begingroup$ I thought responsibility for the security checks passed from the DfT to the CAA earlier this year? $\endgroup$
    – Jon Story
    Oct 23 '14 at 21:17

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