Rep. Brian Higgins (D-NY) recently addressed the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) action toward implementing a Pilot Records Database (PRD), maintaining it provides greater transparency, accountability, and safer skies.
The notice of proposed rulemaking regarding the PRD placed in the federal register effective March 30, 2020, allows for a 90-day public comment period on rules associated with a pilot records database and stems from the crash of Colgan Flight 3407 on Feb. 12, 2009, in which 49 passengers on board and one person on the ground were killed.
“Some fights don’t come easy,” said Higgins, who officials said has repeatedly pushed for the database and other pilot guidance reforms. “For years, we have stood alongside Flight 3407 families pushing for improved flight safety and fighting against threats to roll back the progress made. At long last, this brings us to the last measure recommended by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) following the crash yet to be implemented. We look forward to having the Pilot Record Database in place.”
PRD proponents said the guidance enhances aviation safety by assisting air carriers in making informed hiring and personnel management decisions using the most accurate and complete pilot records available and electronically accessible. It was required in the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill of 2010 approved by Congress and has been in a beta test phase since December 2017.
“The PRD would contain air carrier, operator, and FAA records on an individual’s performance as a pilot that could be used as a hiring tool in an air carrier’s decision-making process for pilot employment,” the notice stated. “These records would remain in the PRD for the life of the pilot.”