Certified Flight Instructor - Flight Instructor Airplane Practice Exam

Who is responsible for notifying the FAA about a pilot’s conviction of driving under the influence?

1. The pilot themselves

2. The pilot's flight instructor

3. Local law enforcement

4. The flight school

The correct answer is: The pilot themselves

The responsibility of notifying the FAA about a pilot’s conviction of driving under the influence falls on the pilot themselves. According to FAA regulations, specifically 14 CFR Part 61, pilots are required to report certain events, including drug or alcohol-related offenses, to the FAA. This self-disclosure emphasizes the pilot's accountability for their own actions and ensures that the FAA has accurate and timely information to assess any potential impact on aviation safety. Failure to report such incidents can result in more severe penalties, including the possibility of losing their pilot certification. While other parties, such as flight instructors, local law enforcement, or flight schools may be aware of a DUI conviction, they do not have the legal obligation to report this information to the FAA. The pilot is the primary point of contact for all matters related to their own certification and must take the initiative to communicate any relevant legal issues that may affect their flying privileges.