TSA Regulations and Compliance
 

Non U.S. Citizens have to comply with TSA regulations and requirements before they can start flight training in the U.S.
 

For these flight training programs you do not have to comply with TSA requirements.
 

 
When your flight training application has been received and confirmed, start your registration.
 
It may take a few weeks for TSA to process your request. Therefore, it is important to start the registration process at least 4 weeks BEFORE your desired flight training start date.
 
The mission of the Alien Flight Student Program is to ensure that Non-U.S. Citizen candidates seeking training at flight schools regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) do not pose a threat to aviation or national security. This website contains the application for aliens seeking to train at FAA-regulated flight schools. Candidates are required to complete this application prior to beginning flight training in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 44939 and 49 CFR 1552.
 
Candidates seeking flight training fall into one of four categories. A brief explanation of the categories follows:
Category 1
Candidates who seek flight training in the operation of aircraft with a maximum certified takeoff weight greater than 12,500 pounds but do not fall into Category 2.
 
Category 2
Candidates who seek flight training in the operation of aircraft with a maximum certified 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 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, and that permits the candidate to operate 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: an initial airman's certificate, instrument rating, multi-engine rating, and training on very light jet aircraft with a specific type rating. Each of these training events requires a separate training request.
 
Category 4
Candidates who seek recurrent flight training for an aircraft with a maximum certified takeoff weight greater than 12,500 pounds, and who are current and qualified on the aircraft for which they are requesting training.