PRIA to PRD: Navigating the Transition in Pilot Records Access

Understanding the transition

As we approach the end of the Pilot Records Improvement Act (PRIA) on September 9, 2024, it's crucial to understand that while the mechanism for obtaining pilot records is evolving, the necessity for maintaining these records remains unchanged. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has introduced the Pilot Records Database (PRD) as the new standard for managing and accessing certain pilot records. 

What is the history of the PRD?

In 2010, Congress passed the Airline Safety and Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2010, requiring the FAA to create an electronic database to contain pilot records. The Act also established a requirement that air carriers would need to access and review the records contained within the database prior to “allowing an individual to begin service as a pilot.”  

In May 2021, the FAA published 14 CFR Part 111 – Pilot Records Database. The new regulation provided clarification on who would be required to comply with the PRD and announced that PRIA would end on September 9, 2024. The following month, the FAA published the PRD Final Rule, laying out the phases for the transition from PRIA to the PRD. This included directives for operators to enter historical air carrier records for their pilots in two phases.  

In December 2021, the FAA announced that FAA records for pilots were available in the PRD and operators must access the database to pull these records henceforth.  

How does this transition impact your operation? 

Under PRIA, you are currently required to request the following:  

• FAA records 
• Air Carrier records 
• DOT 5-Year Drug and Alcohol History records 
• National Driver Register records 

After PRIA ends, the requirements to obtain the records listed above will remain unchanged. The PRD contains FAA records and air carrier records but does not contain all DOT records. The FAA published a FAQ on this, which states: “The PRD does not replace the requirement for you to obtain the drug and alcohol records in accordance with 49 CFR § 40.25 and the Pilot Records Improvement Act (PRIA).”  Likewise, National Driver Register records will still need to be requested separately. Failing to obtain these records will place your operation in non-compliance with the FAA.  

The requirement to securely store these records, once you obtain them, will remain the same. FAA inspectors will continue to ask for these records during inspections to verify your operation’s compliance.

One significant change is the requirement for you to enter all new pilot records into the PRD within 30 days of creation. This rule is already in effect and failing to comply with this will create an issue of non-compliance for your operation.  

An all-in-one safety & security compliance platform

The NATA CS safety and security compliance platform is designed to manage all aspects of your pilot records compliance. As a long-term Designated Agent for PRIA, our platform already features records request tracking, records storage, and reports for FAA inspection purposes.  

In preparation for the end of PRIA, we have completed the process to act as a proxy with the PRD. As a proxy, our team can go into the PRD, request records for your pilot-applicant on your behalf, pull those records, and store them in our secure platform. All you have to do is log in and review the records when they become available. Plus, you have continuous access to these records, so you’ll always be ready for an inspection. We also offer pilot records entry services into the PRD, releasing you and your team to focus on other tasks.  

Coming Soon! Training records request services for operators seeking additional information outside the PRD. These records will then be stored in our secure platform for review. 

NATA CS continues to work with the FAA to educate operators and streamline the transition to PRD.

Request PRD services.

PRIA Order Forms.