Sort of. PRIA does not require 91 operators to maintain records, but if they DO maintain records they are required to furnish them in response to a PRIA request. Airlines are required to send a PRIA request to ALL past pilot employers, including part 91 and foreign employers. Similar process for government agency employers, but different forms.

Most 91 operators maintain records, but there's no real accountability, or way to know if they do, so some simply ignore PRIA requests.


This is the wild-card in reference checks, and why you should never lie. Mom-and-Pops are likely to do this. Larger companies will have policies to prevent this, but if somebody has an existing relationship with the person in question, or if the person has a big enough grudge you never know what might transpire.

You'll likely get asked: " What will Joe Blow say about you if we call him?"

You should know the answer because prior to the interview, you should have already had this discussion with all of your recent bosses. If things were a little rough when you left, good chance you can smooth it over a bit now that some time has passed. Worst case, you'll have a sense as to where you stand.

Don't fail to check in with past employers, if it's been a while they might not remember you very well.