How long do airlines keep pilot records?

An operator must maintain all historical records reported to the PRD for at least five years after reporting those records to the PRD.



Under the FAA's Pilot Records Database (PRD) rules fully implemented by 2026, pilot records are kept for a remarkably long time. Specifically, records must remain in the PRD until the FAA receives official notice of the pilot's death or an audit reveals the pilot has reached the age of 99. This system replaced the older PRIA (Pilot Records Improvement Act) system, which only required a 5-year lookback. The modern PRD includes everything from drug and alcohol testing results to check-ride evaluations and training failures for the pilot's entire career. Airlines must report historical records dating back to 2005 for major carriers and 2010 for corporate operators. This ensures that in 2026, any airline hiring a new captain has access to a comprehensive "lifetime" history of their performance, proficiency, and safety compliance, leaving no "dark spots" in a pilot's professional background.

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Maintenance of Employment History Records All employment verification files must be maintained for 180 days after the termination date of the individual's unescorted access privileges.

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The past ten years of employment must be reviewed while the most recent five years must be verified in writing, including documentation of date and method of how contact was made. A contact person must also be listed on the record indicating from whom verification information was obtained.

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With Legal Enforcement Actions, airmen have extensive appellate rights. Administrative Enforcement Actions may take the form of a Letter of Correction or a Warning Notice which can stay on your record for two years. With Administrative Enforcement Actions, airmen have no appeal rights.

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(d) No pilot may fly more than 32 hours during any seven consecutive days, and each pilot must be relieved from all duty for at least 24 consecutive hours at least once during any seven consecutive days. (e) No pilot may fly as a member of a crew more than 100 hours during any one calendar month.

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According to the Department of Transportation (DOT), there are tarmac delay rules that US airlines must follow: Carriers are not allowed to hold a domestic flight on the tarmac for more than three hours and an international flight for more than four hours, barring a couple of exceptions (like if the pilot deems it's ...

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Criminal Background Check Required
  • Aircraft piracy.
  • Aircraft piracy outside the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States.
  • Armed robbery.
  • Assault with intent to murder.
  • Carrying a weapon or explosive aboard an aircraft.
  • Commission of certain crimes aboard aircraft in flight.
  • Conveying false information and threats.


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They are typically not running warrant checks on everyone that comes through the airport. Still, there are numerous security guidelines and regulations that must be followed. If you break the rules, you could get in trouble with the police, and they will probably find out about your warrants.

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Airlines record information for each passenger who books or checks in for a flight, including the date the reservation was made, the passenger's contact details and baggage information. This information is called the passenger name record (PNR).

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These medical conditions include a personality disorder manifested by overt acts, a psychosis, alcoholism, drug dependence, epilepsy, an unexplained disturbance of consciousness, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, and diabetes requiring medication for its control.

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Permanent Disqualification If you have been convicted, pled guilty to, or found not guilty by reason of insanity of the following felonies, you will be considered permanently disqualified from ever holding a position at the TSA: Espionage or conspiracy to commit espionage. Sedition or conspiracy to commit sedition.

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A criminal record check is a crucial component of the pre-employment background check. Airlines need to ensure that their pilots have a clean criminal record and do not pose a threat to passengers. Pilots with past criminal convictions, especially for violent crimes or drug offenses, may not be eligible for employment.

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Many pilots refer to this as the 1-2-3 rule: Plus or minus 1 hour from arrival, ceilings at least 2,000 feet and visibility at least 3 statute miles.

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Years ago, piston engines were undependable. Because of this, twin-engine aircraft were required to fly in range of a suitable airport for landing. In 1953, the FAA imposed what is known as the “60-minute rule” on two- and three-engine airplanes, disallowing them to fly more than 60 minutes outside the closest airport.

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When it is within your control, run, don't walk, to the gate. My rule: Ten minutes before departure is when getting on a plane is no longer within your control. It's better to sit or stand around the gate area waiting to board.

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