For most people, a domestic violence charge or a civil protection order is a serious matter with immediate personal and family consequences. For airline pilots, the stakes are even higher. Beyond criminal penalties or family court restrictions, these legal challenges can threaten a pilot’s career, FAA certifications, medical eligibility, and standing with their airline employer.

Because commercial aviation depends on safety, public trust, and strict regulatory oversight, even the appearance of misconduct can have professional consequences. Airlines may act long before a case is resolved in court, and federal agencies such as the FAA and TSA may intervene regardless of the outcome. For pilots in Colorado, where civil protection orders are frequently granted under C.R.S. § 13-14-102, the risks are compounded by the overlap of criminal law, family law, and federal aviation regulations.

This article explores how domestic violence charges and civil protection orders affect pilots, including airline policies, union protections, TSA security clearance rules, FAA certification requirements, and state law in Colorado.

Airline Employment Policies and Immediate Consequences

Airlines, including major carriers such as Frontier, United, Delta, Southwest, and American, hold pilots to strict conduct standards both inside and outside the cockpit. Allegations of misconduct often result in swift employer action designed to preserve public confidence and operational integrity.

• Administrative Leave: A criminal charge or civil protection order can lead to immediate removal from duty, sometimes with pay and sometimes without.
• Fitness-for-Duty Reviews: Allegations involving violence, alcohol, or substance abuse may trigger evaluations, even without a conviction.
• Termination: A felony conviction—or a disqualifying misdemeanor—typically results in termination under airline codes of conduct and collective bargaining agreements.

In practice, employers rarely wait for the final verdict. The seriousness of the allegations often dictates the response.

Union Protections and ALPA Representation

Most commercial pilots are represented by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA). Union representation provides critical procedural protections, but it does not eliminate regulatory or employment risks.

• “Just Cause” Standard: CBAs generally require airlines to show a sufficient basis for disciplinary action.
• Representation in Proceedings: Pilots are entitled to union representation during investigations or hearings.
• Legal and Strategic Support: ALPA often provides access to labor attorneys and guidance on FAA/TSA reporting obligations.

However, union protections have limits. They cannot shield a pilot from FAA disqualification or TSA badge ineligibility. A felony conviction, or loss of TSA security clearance, usually ends a pilot’s career regardless of union advocacy.

TSA Security Clearance and 49 U.S.C. § 44936

Under federal law, pilots must maintain a secure airport identification badge to access restricted areas. Certain criminal offenses under 49 U.S.C. § 44936(b)(1), including felonies involving violence, threats, or weapons, are disqualifying.

• Permanent Loss: Conviction for a disqualifying offense typically results in permanent loss of clearance.
• Pending Charges: Even unresolved charges may delay or prevent badge renewal, creating immediate employment barriers.
• Employer Response: Because operations depend on security clearance, airlines often act quickly when badge eligibility is questioned..

Civil Protection Orders in Colorado (C.R.S. § 13-14-102)

Colorado law allows spouses or partners to petition for a Civil Protection Order (CPO), often on a temporary basis and without the accused present. After a hearing, orders can be made permanent.

For pilots, the consequences go well beyond family law:

• Restrictions: Orders may prohibit contact with a spouse, restrict residence in the marital home, or limit communication with children.
• Background Checks: Even though civil, CPOs may appear on employment or regulatory checks.
• FAA Medical Concerns: Allegations involving substance abuse or mental health issues can complicate medical certification.
• Custody Impact: In divorce or custody proceedings, a CPO can heavily influence determinations under C.R.S. § 14-10-124..

Violation of a CPO is a criminal offense and may trigger contempt charges, compounding both legal and professional risks.

FAA Consequences and Regulatory Requirements

The FAA oversees pilot certification, training, and medical eligibility. Domestic violence charges and protection orders can impact multiple regulatory areas.

• Reporting Offenses (14 C.F.R. § 61.15): While domestic violence is not automatically reportable, alcohol-related offenses (DUIs, DWAIs) must be reported within 60 days.
• Training & Proficiency (14 C.F.R. §§ 121.441, 121.427): Absence due to court restrictions or leave can cause non-compliance with proficiency checks.
• Line Checks (14 C.F.R. § 121.440): Pilots must complete annual line checks; extended absence may disrupt compliance.
• Medical Certification (14 C.F.R. § 61.23, Part 67): First-Class Medical Certificates can be delayed or denied if concerns arise over mental health, substance use, or emotional stability.
• Training Program Oversight (14 C.F.R. §§ 121.401, 121.405): FAA reviews of airline training programs may flag pilots under investigation or suspended from service..

In short, even if the charges themselves are not reportable, the collateral impact on training, medical certification, and compliance may put a pilot’s certificates at risk.

Summary

For airline pilots, a domestic violence charge or a civil protection order is not just a personal or family matter it is a professional crisis. These cases can result in:

• Administrative leave or suspension
• Fitness-for-duty reviews
• Termination of employment
• TSA security clearance loss
• FAA certificate or medical complications

In Colorado, civil protection orders under C.R.S. § 13-14-102 add another layer of risk, potentially restricting family contact and surfacing in employment and regulatory reviews.

The safest path forward is immediate, coordinated action: retain experienced legal counsel in both criminal defense and family law, involve union representatives early, and consult with your Aviation Medical Examiner about FAA implications. Above all, strict compliance with court orders and proactive defense are essential to protecting your license, your livelihood, and your long-term future in aviation.

Final Thought

For pilots, the margin for error is razor-thin. One misstep in criminal court, family court, or regulatory compliance can ripple across your entire career. If you are facing domestic violence allegations or a civil protection order in Colorado, you must act quickly, strategically, and with experienced guidance. Your wings depend on it.

We can be reached at www.clawsonattorney.com, and Matthew can be contacted directly at Matthew@clawson.law. For more information about our top rated legal services, fill out our online form or call 719-471-7050 or 303-805-9353 to schedule a free initial consultation.