Driving Under Influence (DUI) refers to operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, impairing one’s ability to safely operate the vehicle. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) takes the issue of substance abuse seriously and has regulations in place to ensure the safety of the aviation system.

According to the 14 C.F.R. § 61.15(c), a motor vehicle action is defined as:

1. A conviction after November 29, 1990, for the violation of any Federal or State statute relating to the operation of a motor vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or a drug, while impaired by alcohol or a drug, or while under the influence of alcohol or a drug; 
2. The cancellation, suspension, or revocation of a license to operate a motor vehicle after November 29, 1990, for a cause related to the operation of a motor vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or a drug, while impaired by alcohol or a drug, or while under the influence of alcohol or a drug; or 
3. The denial after November 29, 1990, of an application for a license to operate a motor vehicle for a cause related to the operation of a motor vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or a drug, while impaired by alcohol or a drug, or while under the influence of alcohol or a drug.

What are the DUI FAA reporting requirements?

According to the Code of Federal Regulations at 14 C.F.R. § 61.15(e), each person holding a certificate issued shall provide a written report to the FAA within 60 days after the motor vehicle action.

The report must include the following:

1. Name, address, date of birth, and airman certificate number; 
2. The type of violation that resulted in the conviction or the administrative action;
3. Date of the conviction or administrative action;
4. The State that holds the record of conviction or administrative action; and
5. A statement of whether the motor vehicle action resulted from the same incident or arose out of the same factual circumstances related to a previously reported motor vehicle action.

Failure to comply in sending the notification letter within 60 days is grounds for denial of an application for any certificate, rating, or authorization issued for a period of up to one (1) year after the date of the motor vehicle action, or suspension or revocation of any certificate, rating, or authorization issued.

Finberg Firm can answer your questions and provide the advice and legal counsel based on your needs to protect your certificate. If you have any of these concerns, do not hesitate to schedule a consultation with us. Our attorney has the experience to help you resolve this matter.