Companies charging for PRIA results?
 

Just got a request from a former airline. Apparently they want twenty bucks to release a copy of my records.

Not a big deal.... but really?

Any body else notice this? Kind of a ticky-tacky expense... if its even legal.

My understanding (and I just read this extensively as it involved negative CRM comments made about a pilot in a 91 operation) is that the company is legally required to dispatch those records whether you pay for them or not.

The case I was involved with (as a CRM SME) made me aware that even part 91 operators are required to release comments regarding proficiency (not just previous 135 or 121 employers). Hence even a Fortune 50 company or a private high net worth owner (just as an example) that employed a pilot is required to provide any recorded comments regarding proficiency or competency. If the chief pilot wrote "unstable approach" on a cocktail napkin and stuck it in a file it legally has to be turned over. Very "letter of the law" but when the lawyers get involved...

Sounds like a policy conjured up by some lo-life HR person- charging for records release.

They have to, by law, respond to the PRIA request to the asking company, they are required to offer you a copy however, there is nothing prohibiting them from charging for it. I believe it also says this on the PRIA paperwork itself (The FAA's version). So they can't charge the asking company however they can charge you for your copy if you asked for one on the form. It's rare but I have heard of it once before from a certain regional airline.

FYI: Your former employer has to respond to the asking company within 30 days with what is required by their operators certificate (Requirements can be found in AC120-68D) or they can simply say they don't maintain PRIA records. If they don't respond, the asking company is supposed to notify the FAA.

That is curb level, just curious if you requested copies? The only reason I ask, is that I received a bunch of PRIA stuff back this week from my present employer since I had requested copies from my future employer. Unfortunately what you get back is a copy of what you signed previously, copies of all of your ground and flight training records including IOE, and PC checks. I did sign a drug test form to be faxed, and a background check company called my former boss. She said that they asked dates, capacity, and if I was re-hireable. I don't know if corporate operators still write "missed on visual approach" on a cocktail napkin, as most HR people responsible for pilot records would furnish only what was asked for, and nothing else, or do some open up personnel files?

Yup,
Previous employer charged $25 to provide the PRIA info to my current employer. I saw the bill in the info that they provided to me (copy requested). Don't know if my current company ever paid, but I wonder what they are going to charge as I attempt to move on?
It's all karma.... What goes around comes around....

Hey Ron,

I did request copies. They sent information to my current employer for free.... as they should.

Im just going to pay to get my copies. I don't want any surprises in the future. There goes today's happy hour fund.

And yes.... karma

There is no requirement for the company doing the hiring to actually receive the records. They only have to document that they ASKED for the records.

pretty sure this is incorrect, I've seen people's training get delayed waiting for PRIA requests to come in

From the AC:

5-4. ACTIONS TO TAKE IF A FORMER EMPLOYER REPORTS LOST OR
DESTROYED PRIA RECORDS. When PRIA-related records have been legitimately lost or
destroyed, follow the intent of the good faith exception as described in paragraph 3-4. Sometimes
a previous employer is unable to comply with a PRIA request because the records no longer exist
(for example, from a flood, hurricane, or fire).
a. Respondent Statement. You should receive a statement from the respondent declaring
that the requested records have been legitimately lost or destroyed, and are not available to be
forwarded per the request. This former employer should send the statement within
30 calendar-days of receiving your request.
b. Good Faith Exception. You may then follow the intent of the good faith exception.
After receiving this notification, and after all of your other PRIA responsibilities are fulfilled,
you are free to either hire or decline to hire the pilot.
c. Filing. File the respondent’s statement in the pilot/applicant’s PRIA-related records file
for future reference and inspection by the FAA.