FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATM)Regulations (14 CFR 117/121/61)Medium
A regional airline is preparing to hire a first officer applicant. Under 14 CFR 61.16, what must the airline do before allowing the applicant to begin service as a pilot?
- AVerify only that the applicant's medical certificate is current
- BContact the applicant's previous employer by phone only
- CWait 30 days after hiring before pulling any background records
- DRequest and evaluate the applicant's records from the Pilot Records Database (PRD) with the applicant's consent
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Request and evaluate the applicant's records from the Pilot Records Database (PRD) with the applicant's consent
14 CFR 61.16 requires certificate holders under Parts 119/121/135 to request and review an applicant's records from the FAA Pilot Records Database, including training, qualification, and disciplinary history, with the pilot's electronic consent, before allowing the individual to begin service.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Medical certificate verification is separate and does not satisfy the PRD requirement.
- B. A phone call to a prior employer does not satisfy the formal PRD requirement.
- C. Records must be evaluated before service begins, not after a delay.
Pilot Records Database (61.16)
14 CFR 61.16 requires air carriers to request and review a pilot applicant's records from the FAA's Pilot Records Database before permitting the pilot to begin service.
- Replaces the old PRIA paper-based system
- Requires pilot's electronic consent
- Includes training, qualification, and disciplinary records
Memory trick: Check the file before you hand over the flight deck key.