The Pilot Records Database has records of your employment history in the aviation industry. Prospective employers can review your employment records by accessing the database online. However, what happens if the information is incorrect?
Generally, a pilot discovers a problem with their records in the Pilot Records Database after an interview. The company may tell the pilot they did not hire them because of specific information included in their file. You could lose your dream job because of incorrect information in the Pilot Records Database.
Can you review what is included in your Pilot Records Database file? How can you correct mistakes in your employment records? Our aviation lawyers explain why the Pilot Records Database was created and how to correct mistakes you discover in your employment and FAA records.
What Is the Pilot Records Database?
The Pilot Records Improvement Act of 1996 requires all aviation employers to complete a background check before hiring a pilot. The purpose is to ensure that airlines have the information they need to make sound hiring decisions. Employers can receive information about the pilot’s training, safety record, and experience.
The FAA has migrated records to the database. Therefore, prospective employers can use the database to review the following FAA records in compliance with portions of the Pilot Records Improvement Act and Airline Administration Extension Act:
- The pilot’s name and current address
- Airman Certificate information
- Enforcement history, if any
- The pilot’s Medical Certificate class, date of issuance, and limitations
- Incident and accident history
- Date of last NDR request
- The pilot’s employment history in aviation
Additional records might be added to the database when rulemaking is completed.
The Pilot Records Database was created as a clearinghouse for pilot records. The database is managed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The database includes records from employers and the FAA for the pilot’s lifetime. Records in the Pilot Records Database are only to be used to assist an employer in making decisions regarding a pilot’s employment.
How Does a Pilot Access Their Records in the Pilot Records Database?
Pilots have the right to review their records in the Pilot Records Database. Pilots can access their records and information through the Pilot Records Database portal. Reviewing your records to ensure they are correct is a good idea. Periodic reviews can help identify mistakes so you can correct them before they cause problems. Pilots may request that incorrect or outdated information be corrected or removed from their files.
How Does a Pilot Correct Errors in Their Employment Records?
The database contains records from employers and some records from the FAA. A pilot can review what employers submitted for their employment dates, performance, testing results, reason for termination, and other employment information.
If you discover an error, you can request that the employer remove or correct the information. Pilots often dispute performance reviews and reasons for termination. However, there could be other errors. You should review your file carefully to catch any mistakes. Any error could prevent you from obtaining a job.
The database is not the only location of pilot records. The FAA and other government agencies maintain records for pilots. For example, the FAA has several databases for maintaining pilot records, including:
- FAA Drug Abatement Division
- Accident and Incident Database System
- Airman Certification Branch
- Enforcement Information System
If you discover errors in your records with the FAA or other government agencies, you must contact the agency and inquire about a correction. The procedures for correcting pilot information may vary between agencies. The process can be time-consuming for pilots. Instead of dealing with multiple agencies, a pilot may want to consider hiring an aviation lawyer to handle the matter for them.
Protecting the Rights of Pilots Nationwide
We understand the importance of correct employment records for pilots. Our nationwide aviation attorneys at The Ison Law Firm Aviation Lawyers represent pilots throughout the United States. We can help you access and dispute your records. Our nationwide aviation lawyers can also help you with FAA and NTSB litigation. Contact our team today to schedule a free consultation.
Contact the Aviation Lawyers from The Ison Law Firm Aviation Lawyers for Help Today
You need both a pilot and a lawyer on your side for your aviation law needs. Don’t hesitate to contact our team from The Ison Law Firm Aviation Lawyers to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced aviation lawyer today.
We’re pilots representing pilots. The Ison Law Firm Aviation Lawyers offers FAA enforcement defense and medical certification representation worldwide!
The Ison Law Firm Aviation Lawyers
Phone: Toll-Free 855-322-1215
Office Hours: Mon – Thu, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Fri, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Disclaimer: Messages left for attorneys after these business hours will be addressed the following business day, during business hours.
