Aviation Background Checks

In aviation, safety isn’t optional. It’s expected, and it’s essential.
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Background Checks for the Aviation Industry

From commercial airlines and cargo carriers to private aviation companies and airport operators, every hire must meet your organization’s standards for security and reliability.

Accurate delivers tailored background checks for the aviation industry, giving you the information you need to make more informed hiring decisions, streamline hiring, and support your compliance obligations.

We combine our advanced technology with aviation-specific searches, FAA compliance support and global coverage to help leading airlines screen and onboard more quickly and effectively.

Elevated Screening for FAA Safety-Sensitive Roles

The Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) designate certain roles as “safety-sensitive.”

Individuals in these roles — such as pilots, flight attendants, mechanics, dispatchers, and certain ground crew — are responsible for the safe operation of aircraft and the safety of passengers and crew.

Given their importance, these positions require additional searches beyond criminal checks and employment verification.

Accurate’s aviation-specific background check searches can help you meet these additional requirements. While every background check is tailored to the individual roles and responsibilities of the position, aviation background checks typically include the following components:

  • County, State, and Federal Criminal Searches – To identify potentially disqualifying offenses identified in TSA and FAA rules and regulations.
  • National Sex Offender Registry Search – Required for positions with access to secure areas.
  • DOT-Regulated Employment History – Verification of previous employers for safety-sensitive positions (2–5 years depending on role).
  • FAA Drug and Alcohol History (FAA4025) – Collects DOT-regulated drug and alcohol testing history for safety-sensitive roles. (Requires DOT 40.25 form)
  • FAA Pilot Records (PRIA – FAA8060-10) – Includes airman certificates, type ratings, medical certificates, and available enforcement actions.
  • FAA Previous Employer (FAA-PE) – Obtains pilot training and employment records from prior employers.
  • TSA Security Threat Assessment (STA) – Mandatory for individuals with unescorted access to secure areas.
  • Education Verification – Confirms academic credentials.
  • Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) – For roles involving driving responsibilities.

Background checks for pilots

Pilots carry the highest level of responsibility in the aviation industry. Pilot background checks must be thorough but quick, while maintaining compliance with federal rules and regulations. Accurate supports pilot screening that aligns with FAA requirements, including the Pilot Records Improvement Act (PRIA) searches.

We help aviation employers check everything from drug and alcohol testing history and accident reports to employment histories and FAA pilot records.

Our dedicated aviation support team works directly with regulatory authorities to stay on top of changing regulations and search requirements. Through these partnerships, Accurate helps you get the answers you need about employees’ backgrounds while helping you navigate relevant industry rules and regulations.

Meeting Requirements for TSA background Checks

In addition to the FAA’s requirements for safety-sensitive roles, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires background checks for any individuals with unescorted access to secure airport areas or sensitive information.

Accurate can provide background checks that are designed to help employers meet TSA requirements. Our TSA-focused background checks may include the following components:

  • Criminal history records checks (The TSA prohibits employing individuals that have been convicted of certain violent or aviation-related crimes in the preceding 10 years)
  • Employment history verification
  • Continuous monitoring
  • Ongoing aviation compliance support

Dedicated Aviation Industry Expertise

In addition to FAA- and DOT-mandated searches, we also provide the mobile-first technology, global reach, and industry-specific expertise necessary to support global aviation hiring at scale. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Global coverage with criminal checks and verifications available in 240+ countries and territories
  • Mobile-first technology and self-service document upload to reduce candidate attrition and facilitate faster completion
  • Integrated drug and health screening — candidates can self-schedule a same-day drug test right inside the background check portal
  • 24/7/363 live global client and candidate support
  • 40+ seamless ATS/HRIS integrations including Workday, iCIMS and Greenhouse
  • Dedicated account managers with deep industry knowledge
  • Six Sigma process reviews to identify opportunities for efficiencies in your screening process

Whether you’re ramping up seasonal hiring or adapting to regulatory updates, Accurate’s scalable technology and specialized support can help you bring on new crew members more effectively.

Why leading airlines partner with Accurate for aviation background checks

The safety of your crews and your passengers relies on your ability to find candidates that meet your standards and specifications.

From TSA security requirements to pilot background checks, Accurate delivers specialized solutions built specifically for this industry.

Contact Accurate’s aviation experts today to get the background checks you need to hire pilots and other team members.

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Latest Content

Accurate has all the background check solutions you need to create and maintain a strong, vibrant, safe workplace. Learn more about the many ways our background check solutions benefit organizations by exploring the following resources:
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Disclaimer

The commentary above is not offered as legal advice but is instead offered for informational purposes. Accurate Background is not a law firm and does not offer legal advice. The above commentary is therefore not intended as a substitute for the legal advice of an attorney knowledgeable of the user’s individual circumstances or to provide legal advice. Accurate Background makes no assurances regarding the accuracy, completeness, currency, or utility of the preceding information.

Comprehensive, compliant screening solutions for the Aviation industry.

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