TSA PROCESS
History
All Non-U.S. Citizens are subjected to a security clearance check by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This governmental action was implemented after the devastating terrorist attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
TSA will also complete a security check on those individuals who already hold a pilot certificate and resident aliens who hold "green cards."
ALL non-U.S. citizens who are beginning training for a new certificate or rating (not recurrent or proficiency training) in any size powered aircraft must be approved by TSA prior to the commencement of training. This approval does not come from the FAA. "Training" is referred to any training including Part 61, 141 and/or Part 135.
ALL students and renters of American Winds must prove their U.S. citizenship by an official passport or birth certificate with the authorized stamped seal. If there is any doubt as to the authenticity of these documents, American Winds holds the right to verify these documents or deny training or rental privileges.
Process
Prior to commencing flight school training in the United States, a clearance must be received from the Alien Flight School Program. It is important that you have a current passport and Visa that will allow you to train in the USA. You must contact TSA to confirm whether you require a security clearance at afsp.help@dhs.gov, and determine which category you will be as listed below.
CATEGORY 1 - Candidates who seek flight training in the operation of an aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight 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 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 complete 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 training to receive an initial airman's certificate of any type, Multi-Engine Rating, or Instrument time (an initial license of any type, Multi-Engine Rating, and Instrument Rating) and training dates may not cover more than one year. Candidates must reapply for each rating.
CATEGORY 4 - Candidates who seek training. Candidates cannot apply for category 4. Please see your Provider to apply.
Once you have determined which clearance you require you must apply for a user account online at https://www.flightschoolcandidates.gov. They will email your user ID and Password immediately. Follow the instructions below to complete the application.
What will be required of you for the application?
1. Passport
2. Visa to train in the USA
3. Submit copies of requested documents WHEN REQUESTED
4. Pay $130 processing fee WHEN REQUESTED
5. Get fingerprinting from TSA approved collection agency WHEN REQUESTED
6. Allow 6 weeks to comfortably complete application.
How do I create and manage my AFSP account?
To access the AFSP website, you must have a valid UserID and password.
To receive a UserID and password, go to https://www.flightschoolcandidates.gov/index.html site, and click on the Candidate "New Account" link near the bottom of the login page. This will send you to a page where you can enter the appropriate information to create a new account.
Once the account is created, you will receive an email with the UserID and password.
Students in categories 1-3 must create their own AFSP accounts, through which they submit a training request. Each candidate may only create one account and may not share the account with other candidates. Providers and employers may not submit a training request for candidates in categories 1-3. Failure to follow these account procedures will result in delay of the training request.
VISA Requirements
A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the United States (U.S.) generally must first obtain a U.S. visa, which is placed in the traveler’s passport, a travel document issued by the traveler’s country of citizenship. A visa does not guarantee entry into the U.S. A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to the U.S. port-of-entry,
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License Conversion
Converting your FAA pilot’s license to your country’s license is becoming easier and easier. The links below will take you directly to the agency governing your country, as well as the Federal Aviation Administration which is in the. Continue to read on and you will see what the requirements are for your specific country.
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TSA Process
Prior to commencing flight school training in the United States, a clearance must be received from the Alien Flight School Program. It is important that you have a current passport and Visa that will allow you to train in the USA. You must contact TSA to confirm whether you require a security clearance
Read More...
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