TSA FTSP Compliance & Planning Guide

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Under the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Flight Training Security Program (FTSP) which replaced the older Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP) certain training requirements apply to candidates using Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTDs) just as they do in actual aircraft.

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Step 1: Determine Your Requirements

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• U.S. Citizens & Nationals: You do not need to complete the FTSP clearance process. However, before your training begins, you must present valid, unexpired proof of U.S. citizenship or nationality (such as a U.S. passport or a birth certificate combined with a government-issued photo ID) for our compliance records.
   

• Non-U.S. Citizens: If you are a non-U.S. citizen seeking covered flight or simulator training, you must complete the TSA FTSP Security Threat Assessment (STA) and receive a formal Determination of Eligibility before any training can legally begin.​

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Step 2: Step-by-Step FTSP Process for Non-U.S. Citizens

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1) Create an FTSP Account: Visit the official TSA FTSP Portal and register a new candidate account.​

 

2) Submit Your Application: Complete the online Security Threat Assessment (STA) application. Make sure to select our training center as your designated provider when prompted, and double-check that all biographical details match your passport precisely.​

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3) Pay the TSA Fee: Submit the required TSA application fee directly through the portal and retain your payment receipt.​

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4) Complete Fingerprinting: Wait for instructions from the TSA via email regarding fingerprint collection. Schedule and complete your electronic fingerprints at an approved collection location (managed via approved vetting vendors like NBIS or designated local channels).​

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5) Await the Determination of Eligibility: The TSA conducts a comprehensive review, including identity verification, immigration status checks, and an FBI criminal history records check. For a standard security threat assessment, processing may take up to 30 days after TSA receives the candidate’s fingerprints.​

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6) Clearance & Training Start: Once the TSA issues your Determination of Eligibility, our team will verify your status in the portal, and you are officially cleared to start your simulator training!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

Does FTSP apply to helicopter flight simulation training?

 

Yes. TSA regulations under 49 CFR Part 1552 apply to flight training toward covered FAA certificates and ratings, regardless of whether that training is conducted in a physical helicopter or an approved Flight Simulation Training Device (FSTD) like a full-flight simulator.

 

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Does FTSP apply to me if I am attending training on behalf of a foreign military?
 

It depends on whether your training is officially sponsored through U.S. defense channels:

 

• U.S. DoD-Endorsed Personnel: If you are a foreign military pilot or personnel officially endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), you are exempt from the standard public FTSP Security Threat Assessment application process. Your vetting and coordination are handled directly via U.S. DoD channels (such as a local defense attaché). 

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• Commercial or Self-Sponsored Training: If your training is booked under a standard commercial contract, private arrangement, or without official U.S. DoD endorsement, you must complete the standard FTSP application process through the public portal just like any other non-U.S. citizen candidate. 

 

Note for Military Trainees: If you fall under the DoD-endorsed exemption, our team will coordinate with you to verify your status and documentation through the FTSP Portal prior to your arrival.

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Since the U.S. FAA does not require a type rating for the H145 (BK-117), do I still need to comply with this process if I am a foreign trainee attending initial or recurrent training for this model?

 

Yes. Under the updated regulations, the TSA modified the official definition of a type rating in
49 CFR § 1552.3 to mean an endorsement required by a civil or military aviation authority to operate a specific make and type of aircraft. Consequently, if a foreign pilot undergoes initial or recurrent training to maintain or renew that foreign-mandated type rating (as required by their local civil or military aviation authority), the training is treated as a covered event under the FTSP.

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Since the (H160 and any other aircraft requiring a U.S. FAA type rating mandates a specific type rating under FAA regulations), do I still need to comply with the TSA Flight Training Security Program (FTSP) process if I am a foreign trainee attending initial or recurrent training for these models in the United States?

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Yes. Under the Flight Training Security Program (FTSP) regulations (49 CFR § 1552.3), any flight training in the United States toward an aircraft that requires a type rating is classified as a covered event, requiring foreign trainees to register and receive TSA security authorization before beginning training.

This applies regardless of whether you are training on the Airbus H160 or any other FAA type-rated aircraft:

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• Initial Type-rating Training: Specific certification a pilot obtains to operate a certain type of aircraft, because this training is required beyond the initial, multi-engine, and instrument certification.

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• Recurrent Training for Type-ratings*: Required to maintain or renew a type-rating already held by a pilot. Includes any endorsement required by either a civil aviation authority (e.g. FAA, EASA, or UK CAA) or a military authority to operate a specific make and model.

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*For reference, 49 CFR 1552.3 defines “recurrent training” as follows:

1. Periodic flight training:

       (i) Required for certificated pilots under 14 CFR parts 61, 121, 125, 135, or subpart K of part 91 to maintain a certificate or type rating; or

       (ii) Similar training required by a civil aviation authority recognized by the FAA and conducted within the United States and its territories.

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2. Recurrent training does not include:

       (i) Training that may be credited toward a new certificate or a new type rating; or

       (ii) Checks or tests that do not affect the validity of the certificate(s) or the qualifications of a type rating.

 

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How far in advance should I apply?

 

We strongly recommend submitting your FTSP application 60 days before your desired start date. Processing delays frequently stem from minor document mismatches or delays in fingerprint submission.  For a standard security threat assessment, processing may take up to 30 days after TSA receives the candidate’s fingerprints. Processing cannot be completed until the candidate has:

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• Submitted all required biographic information;

• Uploaded complete and consistent identity and eligibility documents;

• Paid the required fee; and

• Submitted fingerprints through a TSA-accepted collector using TSA’s instructions.

 

Candidates should not obtain fingerprints before receiving the FTSP email titled “Documents Accepted - Fingerprint Instructions Available.” Fingerprints submitted through another process may be rejected.

 

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How long is a TSA Determination of Eligibility valid?

 

Once issued, a TSA Determination of Eligibility remains valid for up to 5 years, provided your underlying immigration status or visa remains current and valid. This allows you to advance through multiple ratings within that window without repeating the full vetting process.

 

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What documents do I need to provide?

 

Non-U.S. citizens must supply a valid passport, current U.S. visa or lawful status documentation, and proof of FTSP approval status. U.S. citizens must present an unexpired U.S. passport or birth certificate with a government-issued photo ID.​​​​

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