TSA Regulations For Flight Students

 

 

Are introductory or "discovery" flights exempt from the requirements of the TSA rule?

Yes. TSA has stated through correspondence with AOPA that introductory, discovery or demonstration flights are exempt from the requirements of the TSA rule.  However, AOPA suggests that you not log the flight time in a logbook until the CFI can verify citizenship.  Click here to print a first flight certificate.

 

What is the definition of flight training as it pertains to this rule for the purposes of needing to undergo citizenship verification?

The TSA has further interpreted the definition of "flight training "for aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds or less to only apply to training for a recreational pilot, sport pilot, or private pilot certificate; multiengine rating (at any certificate level — i.e., does not apply to MEI); or instrument rating (does not include recurrent training).

 

Do the requirements for citizenship verification apply for flight reviews, aircraft checkouts, or instrument proficiency checks?

No, TSA has interpreted the definition of "recurrent training" to NOT include any flight review, proficiency check, or other check required by 14 CFR § 61.57 or § 61.58 whose purpose is to review rules, maneuvers, or procedures, or to demonstrate a pilot's existing skills. The TSA has further interpreted the definition of "flight training" for aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds or less to only apply to training for a recreational pilot, sport pilot, or private pilot certificate; multiengine rating (at any certificate level — i.e., does not apply to MEI); or instrument rating (does not include recurrent training).

 

Do the requirements for citizenship verification apply to flight training in airships, balloons, or gliders?

No, TSA has granted an exemption for those schools that provide, and individuals who apply for, instruction in the operation of airships, balloons, or gliders. This exemption also exempts schools that only provide instruction in airships, balloons, and gliders from the security awareness training requirement.

 

I was approved by the Department of Justice (DOJ) Flight Training Candidate Checks Program (FTCCP); do I have to go through the TSA background check?

The AFSP (Alien Flight Student Program) requires candidates to submit a request for each instance of flight training. Although some candidates have received final approval in the past through the DOJ's Flight Training Candidate Checks Program (FTCCP), they must submit a request for approval of new training through the AFSP Web site.

Please note that any user ID and password that was created for the FTCCP Web site will work on the AFSP Web site; you do not need to create a new account if you already have one from the FTCCP.

 

Aliens

What applicant category do I qualify for?

Aliens seeking flight training in an aircraft with a MTOW of 12,500 pounds or less qualify as a Category 3 candidate. A brief explanation of the four categories:

Category 1 - Candidates who seek flight training in the operation of aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight (MTOW) greater than 12,500 pounds, but who do not fall into Category 2.

Category 2 - Candidates who seek flight training in the operation of aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight (MTOW) greater than 12,500 pounds, and who: Are employed by a foreign air carrier that operates under 14 CFR part 1546;  Have unescorted access authority to a secured area of an airport under U.S.C 44936(a)(1)(A)(ii),49 CFR 1542.229;  Are a flight crew member who has successfully completed a criminal history records check in accordance with 49 CFR 1544.230; or Hold an airman's certificate that is recognized by the FAA or appropriate US military agency, with a type rating for a multi-engine aircraft that has a certificated takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds or more.

Category 3 - Candidates who seek flight training in the operation of aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds or less for the following training events:

• Initial airman's certificate, including a private, recreational, or sport pilot certificate.
  -- If a private and/or commercial license is the candidate's initial FAA license, it is considered an initial airman's certificate and is not exempt.
• Instrument Rating (IR)
• Multi-Engine Rating (MEL)

Each of these training events requires a separate training request. Note: Category 3 Rotorcraft Requirements - Candidates who seek flight training in the operation of rotorcraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds or less are subject to the above Category 3 clarification. Candidates must obtain approval for the initial license, instrument rating or multi-engine rating if the pilot does not hold a fixed-wing equivalent.

Category 4 - Candidates who seek recurrent training in the operation of aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight (MTOW) greater than 12,500 pounds, and are current and qualified on the aircraft for which they are requesting training. These training requests are submitted by the flight training providers.

Am I required to resubmit fingerprints for taking additional flight training?

No.  If done correctly the first time, additional flight training does not require resubmitting additional fingerprints. However, you must use the same account (pin) number that you used for your initial flight training request in order for this exemption to apply.

 

If I transfer to a different flight school, do I have to go through this entire process again?

Yes.  However, you should not need to submit fingerprints. You will have to pay the $130 processing fee again.  If you are training with an independent flight instructor who does not work for a flight school and want to fly with another independent flight instructor, you will need to file an additional training request.

 

I am pursuing a U.S. pilot certificate at a flight school located outside the United States. Do I need to comply with this rule?

Yes. The rule applies to the issuance of a U.S. airman certificate at any flight school located in or outside the United States that is providing flight training under 14 CFR.

 

I am pursuing a U.S. private pilot certificate based on my foreign license. Am I required to comply with the TSA rule?

TSA has clarified that getting a U.S. certificate based on a foreign license (reference FAR 61.75) does not apply to the requirements of the rule.  However, if you choose to apply for a “stand-alone” FAA pilot certificate no longer based on your foreign license, you must comply with this rule. The TSA views this as receiving an initial FAA pilot certificate and qualifies under the TSA definition of flight training.

 

Can an alien candidate register without a passport?

You are generally required to have a passport, but there are some people with very special circumstances who cannot obtain a passport. TSA will handle these situations on a case-by-case basis.

 

Does the TSA have any international locations for processing fingerprints?

In March 2005, TSA announced that certain international locations have been selected to process fingerprints for alien candidates. A list of participating airports is available at www.tsc-csc.com/printoffices/.

 

How long will it take to get an answer on my training request?

There are factors that affect the amount of time between training request submission and response, including:

• Response time of your flight training provider.
• Accuracy and completeness of your training request.
• Nature of the request.
• Category of the candidate.

Once my flight training request has been approved, how long do I have before my approval expires?

 Once you have permission to train, you have 180 days to begin training and 365 days to complete the approved training. These time periods both start from the date you receive approval.  For example, if you begin flight training 30 days after you have been approved, you now have 335 days to finish.  If you do not finish, a new training request must be submitted.

 

What can I do if my request was returned for insufficient information?

If your training request contains insufficient information required to make a determination on your request, you will receive an e-mail notification. You may return to this Web site, select the training request for which you received the e-mail notification, and review the information you provided for its accuracy and completeness. Make any changes needed, and resubmit your training request. On a resubmission, the flight training provider DOES NOT need to validate your request again, and you DO NOT have to pay another $130 USD processing fee.

 

What if I need to cancel my flight training request?

You may now cancel a training request that is in the Draft status by going to Step 7 of the request, clicking on the Edit link for that request, and clicking the "Delete Training Request" button.

 

I am pursuing a U.S. pilot certificate at a flight school located outside the United States. Do I need to comply with this rule?

Yes. The rule applies to the issuance of a U.S. airman certificate at any flight school located in or outside the United States that is providing flight training under 14 CFR.

---

U.S. Citizens

Do I need to show my birth certificate to a CFI for a flight review or IPC?

No you do not.  Flight reviews and IPCs do not fall under the TSA definition of flight training.  TSA has also interpreted the definition of recurrent training to “not include any flight review, proficiency check, or other check to review rules, maneuvers, or procedures, or to demonstrate a pilot’s existing skills on aircraft with a MTOW of 12,500 pounds or less”.

It is my understanding that the logbook endorsement requirement for U.S. citizens should be done anytime an instructor/flight school is presented with a new student who received a logbook endorsement from a different school and/or location. But for students who remain at one flight school throughout their training, and are known by all the instructors, a recurring endorsement is not necessary. Is this correct?

Yes, this is a correct interpretation. Think of the endorsement as a replacement of the copy of the proof of citizenship. If you had a copy of my birth certificate from private training, and now I want to do an instrument rating, no need to run a new Xerox copy just because I'm doing a new rating.