Your Part 91 records are subject to PRIA

Every move you make as a pilot could haunt you.

PRIA, the Pilot Records Improvement Act, follows your entire career, even in flight training. PRIA was introduced all the way back in 1966 but was amended in 2010 after Colgin Air #3407 showed blind spots in the Act that pilots could still hide a flawed history.

PRIA, in a nutshell, is a framework in which air carriers (think 135 and 121) have to go look at your career as a pilot. This includes incidents, accidents, training records, disciplinary action, and safety recommendations. All air carriers are required to investigate a pilot’s background (a PRIA check) on every pilot that comes onto the carrier’s certificate.

Advisory Circular 120-68F outlines how PRIA works and provides examples of different situations that a hiring employer may encounter when dealing with records requests from PRIA. Feel free to read it if you wish, but it’s rather lengthy and much of the content might not be relevant to you right now. Here’s everything you should know right now about PRIA and some tips to set your career up for success, beginning at the Commercial Pilot level: 

1. Part 91 Operators do NOT meet the definition of an air carrier. However, they ARE required to keep certain records in case an air carrier requests them to provide information about an applicant. Don’t think that just because you work for a Part 91 Operator you have more leeway. You don’t (see below). (This includes any pilot for hire including a flight instructor)
2. When you apply for a job as a pilot at a Part 121 or Part 135 Operator, they WILL submit PRIA records request with the FAA. 
3. The FAA will provide your potential employer with information concerning your current airman medical certificate, and current airman certificates indicating level, category, class, and associated type ratings, including limitations to those certificates and ratings. 
4. The FAA will summarize any closed legal FAR enforcement actions against you that resulted in findings of violations that were not subsequently overturned, and that occurred within the previous 5 years. 
5. Your potential employer WILL ask your previous employer (even if they are a Part 91 Operator) to provide records pertaining to your performance. Records relating to flight time, duty time, or rest time will not be provided, however records of your performance as a pilot with respect to your training, qualifications, proficiency, and professional competence (this includes any comments from check airmen) WILL be provided. Additionally, your previous employer will provide any disciplinary actions, release from employment or resignation, termination, or disqualification notices to your potential employer. 
6. If you previously worked for a Department of Transportation (DOT)-regulated employer, they WILL provide records of drug and alcohol tests, even if the employers were not in aviation. 
7. The FAA is working on a centralized database where even Part 91 operators will submit data, so there’s a reduction in errors and omissions on requests. 

You DO have a right to receive a copy of your PRIA records. Within 20 days of receiving a PRIA records request, the FAA and your former employer will provide you with written notice of the request and the right to receive copies. All requests are done in writing, and you can expect to receive records by USPS.

The applications, PRIA documents, and background forms are considered legal instruments. Like many documents, your signature authorizes the FAA and your air carrier to do the necessary digging. Attempting to conceal a blemish on your record, could not only end up in termination from your employer but legal action from the FAA as well.

The biggest insight: it’s important to keep your record clean throughout all phases of your career. Burning a bridge on the way out from an employer could burn your record with your next employer. 

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Charles was born and raised in Kansas. He began his flying career his Senior year of high school in 2006. After a break in aviation, in 2013 he decided to progress towards a career in aviation. Now Charles manages Flex Air flight training and is also a Captain on a cargo 737. Charles’ primary focus at Flex Air is to provide a safe and effective program- at the best possible investment.

PS- Join our free Student and ow-Time pilot community to be introduced to recruiters, and to launch your career path at www.FlexAirPro.com