If I hire a pilot, am I required to query the Pilot Records Database and request drug and alcohol records under 49 CFR part 40?
Yes. The Pilot Records Database (PRD) regulation, 14 CFR part 111, requires an air carrier/operator to query a pilot’s records to help make hiring determinations. The PRD does not replace the requirement for you to obtain the drug and alcohol records in accordance with 49 CFR § 40.25. Employers may use FAA’s aviation release of information suggested form to request the drug and alcohol testing information from previous DOT-regulated employers to meet the requirements under 49 CFR § 40.25. Please refer to FAA’s Advisory Circular (AC 120-126) for more information about the drug and alcohol testing requirements.
For questions about accessing or entering data into the PRD, please review 14 CFR part 111 and the FAA’s Advisory Circular (AC 120-68), or contact the FAA’s PRD support office at 9-amc-avs-PRDSupport@faa.gov.
If you have any further questions or need additional guidance that is more specific to your situation, please contact the FAA’s Drug Abatement Division at (202) 267-8442 or drugabatement@faa.gov.
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