Anyone applying for a medical certificate from the FAA who has a history of
DUI's will have to disclose and comply with the following FAA Guidelines
(see below). Even though it wouldn't seem so, according to the FAA, having
2 DUI's is a history of potential abuse (they don't take DUI's lightly). I
have seen a couple of aspiring airmen overcome this hurdle. The FAA will
have you get an assessment as per the the attached FAA check list and have
the physician, psychologist or licensed drug/alcohol counselor send the
report to the FAA for review and final decision. A young man in your exact
same situation (couple of DUI's while a student at a party college) recently
got his FAA 2nd Class medical after undergoing the required assessment and
is now taking lessons. Go ahead and apply, it'll just take a while to go
through the paperwork. Good luck. Tailwinds.
____________ SNIP ________________

GUIDELINES FOR INITIAL ASSESSMENT OF AIRMEN WTH HISTORY OF MISUSE OF DRUGS
OR ALCOHOL

When the presence of a drug or alcohol problem is in question in an
applicant for airman medical certification, it is the responsibility of the
Office of Aviation Medicine to determine whether a history of substance
abuse or dependence does exist; and if it does, whether there is
satisfactory evidence of recovery.

If it is determined that a problem does exist, the Federal Aviation
administration requires that the applicant submit an evaluation by a
professional who has had special training in diagnosis and/or treatment of
addiction. This would include certified substance abuse counselors,
psychologists or psychiatrists, other physicians with special training in
addictive disorders, and members of ASAM (American Society of Addiction
Medicine).

The report should contain adequate information to determine whether a
problem exists, including significant negatives. This should include, though
not necessarily be restricted to the following information that may be
related to substance misuse.

PERSONAL:
Anxiety, depression, insomnia
Suicidal thoughts or attempts
Personality changes (argumentative, combative)
Loss of self esteem
Isolation

SOCIAL:
Family problems
Separation
Divorce
Irresponsibility
Abuse, Child/Spousal

LEGAL:
Alcohol-related traffic offenses
Public intoxication
Assault and battery

OCCUPATIONAL:
Absenteeism or tardiness at work
Reduced productivity
Demotions
Frequent job changes
Loss of job

MEDICAL:
Blackouts
Memory problems
Stomach, liver or cardiovascular problems
Sexual dysfunction

ECONOMIC:
Frequent financial crises
Bankruptcy
Loss of home
Lack of credit

INTERPERSONAL ADVERSE AFFECTS:
Separation from family, friends, associates, etc.

ADDITIONAL FACTORS:
Tolerance
Withdrawal
Loss of control
Preoccupation with use
Continued use despite consequences

When appropriate, specific information about the quality of recovery should
be provided, including the period of total abstinence. Summary, appraisal,
etc., with final diagnoses in accordance with standard nomenclature is of
particular significance.

Further information may be required, including treatment and traffic
records, psychological testing, as well as other medical and laboratory
records (random drug testing, liver profile, etc.). It may be appropriate
for the evaluator to interview or contact a significant other in the process
of this evaluation.