What agency should the human resources staff check for records on pilot applicants?

The Airman Record Branch at the FAA aeronautical center is the correct choice for human resources staff to check for records on pilot applicants because it specifically maintains comprehensive records related to all licensed pilots in the United States. This includes their qualifications, certifications, flight hours, endorsements, medical evaluations, and any enforcement actions or violations that may have occurred. Accessing this database helps ensure that the candidates meet regulatory requirements and have a clean background necessary for safely operating an aircraft.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) primarily investigates accidents and incidents in aviation and does not maintain pilot records in a manner that would be useful for hiring decisions. The Aviation Safety Reporting Program (ASRP), while essential for collecting safety-related data and improving aviation safety through voluntary reporting, does not provide the kind of comprehensive applicant records needed to assess individual pilots' qualifications. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as an overarching body has many functions, but the specific records and details relevant to pilot applicants are housed in the Airman Record Branch, making it the most appropriate choice for this context.