Originally Posted by
TiredSoul
Keep in mind this is a relatively small industry despite a couple hundred thousand pilots.
At my present company I’ve already flown with 3 Captains that knew Captain A-hole LCA from my previous company.
Do not bet your job on it that HR is any different.
These folks are connected just like we are.
You will never find out what information was disclosed.
You just won’t get a interview and if you did you won’t get a class date and you’ll swim in the pool for ever.
Back in the day when I did the hiring and the firing at a mid size flight school I’d usually call the previous employer listed and sometimes the one prior to that.
Just a hey, hello my name is and I’m calling for an employment verification for CFI Abby Aileron.
Even silence would tell you a lot.
Well.......yes.....(awkward silence) Abby used to work here....
Two out of three would divulge more information then just employment dates.
I’d usually ask if they were eligible for rehire.
I’ve had every answer between Hell No and that was my best CFI.
Point being dont be Capt A-hole.
It will follow you around.
This is a good point, but it's not like the old days. Liability risk still ties their hands (they don't want to go on any kind of record violating corporate policy or saying something that could fuel a lawsuit) but things might be shared over beer.
The good news is the HR pros typically don't have a real vested interest in the career outcome of any employee. Unlike an operational manager they probably are not emotionally engaged in the situation. Today HR is less likely to violate policy and risk liability over something that's just business to them. If they do, they might be deposed, and have to chose between their job or perjury. Most just don't care enough about pilots one way or the other to put their own butts on the line.
This is why they have HR pros and not line managers deal with this stuff.