Chris

Just wondering if the regionals run through your credit report like they do at the majors when going through the interview process. Do any of you guys remember signing a credit release?

Since the regionals are hurting for pilots I'm guessing they wouldn't look into it too much; however, I have a few red flags from my past (failed business) that might hurt my chances.

I know it's illegal for a company to fire / not hire someone based on their personal credit (I read this a year ago on NoLo I believe), but there's a big loophole there where the company could just say the person wasn't qualified for the position.

Thanks,

Chris

ToiletDuck

They did no such check on me at RAH or SkyWest. I can't speak for others but companies can legally not hire you for having bad credit. At the regional level it would require a very bad credit history but legally it can be done so long as the same standards apply for everyone. It is statistically proven that a person with bad credit is more liable to steal or do general practices outside of the company guidelines. Ex. pilots drinking in a bar in uniform. The US government even uses this practice when a person joins the military or other government agency. For instance a person with considerable debt will more likely be kept state side then allowed to go overseas. They see it as a possible security risk. Large amounts of debt make for desperate times and desperate times can make people take desperate measures.

You obviously have rights in this country. No person may check your credit without your permission. Unless you sign a statement allowing the company to pull a full report they will only be able to receive what's called an "Employment Report". These reports give a generalization of your past history, credit habits and repayment history, without getting into specifics. They allow the company to make general conclusions about you(the employee). These employment reports do not harm your credit score.

rickair7777

You sign a lot of stuff when you apply for an airline job...I think one regional did a credit check, maybe others.

I'm certain that in general companies CAN use your credit history as an employment criteria (maybe varies by state?)

shanejj

And what's the purpose for this report?

rickair7777

Some employers look at your credit report...the same report that a lender would use to decide whether to grant you credit. An employer would be looking for reliability.

stickwiggler

I think ASA did not look, but for those who do.... unless your credit report shows intentional fraud, you'll be o.k.

it's an integrity issue, so as long as you haven't done anything really dishonest you should be o.k.

TankerBob

They want you in debt, that way they know that you have to work!

ToiletDuck

It's a fact they can. I'm almost 100% positive it's a Federal issue not a state one. Credit reports are tied to you SS# and need your authorization to be pulled. Doesn't matter what state you are in. Employers can pull a "summary" of your report to get an idea of your general character but are not allowed to pull your report. Regardless of how much you sign to get hired you'll know if they asked you sign a credit report. It doesn't just slide in between the PRIA sheets. I want to say you also aren't allowed to fax that sheet you have to get it notarized. I could be wrong on that last sentence but I had to have my last one notarized when dealing with a bank.

SmoothLanderJ

LOL...that makes sense to me! ...In that case I should have NO PROBLEM getting hired soon!

ExperimentalAB

Oh boy...if the Regionals did have the manpower to pull credit reports (which they don't), they would find us all (well most of us at least!) neck-deep in debt. Isn't that the American-way?! Then none of us would have jobs haha...

BTW, just deferred my student-loan payments until second-year pay kicks in woohoo!! I'm splurging tonight on the extra big bowl of Ramen ;-P