Questions:
Answers are listed below by number.
1. Who is the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)?
2. What is the Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP)?
3. I’m a US citizen, is there anything I need from the TSA before I start flight training?
4. I’m a foreign student, what do I need to do before I start my training?
5. I’m a resident alien, do I still need to get a background check from the TSA?
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1. Who is the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)?
The Transportation Security Administration was created in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 as part of the Aviation and Transportation Security Act signed into law on November 19, 2001. TSA was originally in the Department of Transportation but was moved to the Department of Homeland Security in March 2003. TSA’s mission is to protect the nation’s transportation systems by ensuring the freedom of movement for people and commerce. In February 2002, TSA assumed responsibility for security at the nation’s airports.
2. What is the Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP)?
Section 612 of the Vision 100 – Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act prohibits flight schools regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) from providing flight training to a foreign student unless the Secretary of Homeland Security first determines that the student does not pose a threat to aviation or national security. Vision 100 transferred responsibility for conducting security threat assessments for foreign students seeking flight training from the Department of Justice to the Department of Homeland Security. On September 20, 2004, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued an interim final rule establishing the Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP). The mission of the AFSP is to ensure that foreign students seeking training at flight schools regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) do not pose a threat to aviation or national security.
3. I’m a US citizen, is there anything I need from the TSA before I start flight training?
As a US citizen or national, you will need to provide proof of US citizenship by presenting a US passport, birth certificate or other approved means of identification to Aviation Atlanta and your flight instructor before you begin your training. Your flight instructor will give you a logbook endorsement that indicates we have verified your proof of US citizenship. Your flight instructor will discuss this process with you in order to comply with the requirement of the TSA.
4. I’m a foreign student, what do I need to do before I start my training?
We suggest you start by giving us a call to get some helpful information, 1-800-774-9270 or 770-458-8034. Our staff is experienced in dealing with the TSA paperwork and website and will guide you with any questions you may have. The TSA website for flight training may be found at: https://www.flightschoolcandidates.gov/. You will have to complete the requested items on this website and send the TSA some additional paperwork. We will be glad to guide you through this process so give us a call.
5. I’m a resident alien, do I still need to get a background check from the TSA?Yes. If you are not a US citizen or national, you must register with the TSA on their website: https://www.flightschoolcandidates.gov/. |
