Criminal Charges and Your FAA Pilot Certificate in Kentucky
Pilots in Kentucky — whether you fly commercially out of Louisville’s SDF airport, operate charter flights from Lexington’s Blue Grass Airport, or hold a private pilot certificate — face unique consequences when criminal charges arise. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has authority to take emergency action against your pilot certificate based on criminal conduct, and the consequences can ground your flying career permanently. Clark + Harris provides criminal defense for Kentucky pilots that addresses both the criminal case and the FAA certificate implications.
FAA Certificate Actions Based on Criminal Conduct
The FAA issues pilot certificates under 14 CFR Part 61 and has broad authority to suspend or revoke certificates based on criminal conduct. The most significant FAA provision is 14 CFR § 61.15, which addresses alcohol and drug-related offenses. Under this regulation, a pilot must report any alcohol or drug-related motor vehicle conviction or administrative action to the FAA within 60 days. Failure to report is itself grounds for certificate revocation.
Two or more alcohol-related motor vehicle convictions within any three-year period result in denial or revocation of all pilot certificates. A single DUI, while not automatically grounds for revocation, triggers reporting requirements and may lead to further FAA scrutiny including mandatory medical examination and evaluation.
DUI and Pilot Certificates
DUI is the most common criminal charge threatening pilot certificates in Kentucky. Even a misdemeanor first-offense DUI creates several FAA consequences: mandatory reporting to the FAA within 60 days, potential impact on medical certificate renewal, and creation of a record that puts you one conviction away from automatic revocation if a second alcohol-related offense occurs within three years. For commercial pilots and airline transport pilots, the consequences are even more severe, as airlines have their own policies that may require immediate removal from flight duties.
Drug Offenses and Federal Aviation Consequences
Drug-related criminal charges carry particularly severe FAA consequences. Under 14 CFR § 61.15(d), any conviction for violation of federal or state drug laws is grounds for denial of any application for a certificate or rating for up to one year after the date of the conviction. For more serious drug offenses, the FAA may seek permanent revocation. Additionally, DOT drug testing requirements for commercial pilots mean that a failed drug test can result in immediate grounding and a lengthy return-to-duty process.
The Multi-Track Challenge for Pilots
Kentucky pilots facing criminal charges must navigate the state criminal case, FAA certificate action, potential DOT proceedings for commercial pilots, employer action (for airline and corporate pilots), and insurance implications. Each of these tracks operates independently with its own rules and timelines, but decisions in one directly affect the others.
Clark + Harris develops coordinated defense strategies for pilots that account for all of these proceedings. Our attorneys serving pilots throughout Lexington, Louisville, and Kentucky understand FAA enforcement procedures and the aviation regulatory framework.
Contact Clark + Harris for Pilot Defense
If you’re a Kentucky pilot facing criminal charges, your flying career is at stake. Clark + Harris provides the defense that protects both your freedom and your FAA certificates.
Call 859-474-0001 today for a confidential consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon should I contact Clark + Harris after being charged in Kentucky?
As soon as possible. Early representation protects your rights during questioning, preserves evidence, and often leads to better outcomes. Call 859-474-0001 — we respond promptly to new inquiries.
Does Clark + Harris represent clients throughout Kentucky?
Yes. We represent clients in all 120 Kentucky counties, both state District and Circuit courts, and federal courts in the Eastern and Western Districts of Kentucky.
What happens during a free consultation with Clark + Harris?
We review the specific charges and evidence, discuss available defenses, explain the likely process in the relevant court, and give you a clear roadmap of next steps — at no cost to you.
Related Resources
If this information applied to your situation, the following Clark + Harris guides may also be helpful:
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