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Two Things That Can Affect Your Chances Of Getting Into Aviation School

Getting a degree in aviation can open the door to a satisfying and high-paying career. However, you first must get admitted into a proper aviation educational program before you can even start thinking about your career prospects. While many schools have basic entry requirements that most applicants can meet, there are some things that can prevent you from being accepted into the school of your choice. Here are two you should know about.

Failure to Obtain a Medical Certificate

Almost all aviation schools require incoming students to qualify for a pilot's medical certificate. This is because you are required to obtain one as part of receiving your pilot's license. If you can't qualify for the medical certificate, you can't get your license, and getting an education in aviation would be a waste of time and money.

The challenge is the FAA is very strict when it comes to qualifying for a medical certificate and with good reason. Although airplane accidents aren't common, they have the potential to lead to millions of dollars in property damage and the loss of hundreds of lives. Therefore, you need to pass a variety of mental and physical health checks to ensure you don't have a condition that could negatively impact your ability to fly.

Some potential disqualifying conditions include:

  • Previous cardiac infarction or a high risk for one
  • Being diagnosed with insulin-dependent diabetes
  • Vision acuity less than 20/20.
  • Hearing loss
  • A diagnosis of vertigo
  • Mental disorders that interfere with your ability to think clearly and act rationally
  • Diagnosis of epilepsy and/or neurodegenerative disease

You can find more information about the FAA requirements for passing a medical check by viewing the regulations on the US GPO website. If you don't meet the minimum requirements, you may still be approved at the examiner's discretion if you can prove you're capable of performing the duties required without endangering the public. It's best to contact a representative at the FAA about this type of exception.

Previous DUI Conviction

Another thing that can hurt your chances of getting into aviation school is being convicted of a DUI. The FAA takes a person's criminal background into consideration when determining whether to approve the person for a license and a DUI is a potentially disqualifying issue. Like with the medical certificate, if you can't be approved for a license because of the conviction, you may not be accepted into aviation school.

It's important to note, though, when the conviction occurred and the circumstances of the case affect your eligibility. If the conviction occurred in the 12 months prior to applying for your license, you will be rejected. If it's been longer than 12 months, you may still be approved as long as there is no indication you have a substance abuse problem that may lead to a recurrence.

For more information about issues that can affect your ability to get into aviation school, contact an administrator at a school near you.


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