As of July 1, 2024, the Bahamas Customs & Excise Department has imposed substantial and egregious fees on pilots flying General Aviation aircraft on recreational flights. Pilots should be mindful of these new and additional fees before considering flying to the Bahamas. Read More
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Flight Training Security Program

Formerly the Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP)

If you are giving or receiving flight training in an aircraft weighing less than 12,500 pounds, whether you are a U.S. citizen, non-U.S. citizen, or non-U.S. national, TSA’s flight training/citizenship validation rule affects you.

TSA’s rule was initially issued in 2004, and TSA has clarified the rule several times since then as a result of AOPA’s advocacy. This page contains links to up-to-date, easy to understand information, customized to the various scenarios present in the rule.

Resources/Useful Links and Contact Information

Below you will find links to useful resources and contact information you may need in order to comply with the TSA non-U.S. citizen and non-U.S. national flight training/citizenship validation rule. You’ll also find links to these resources in the pages customized for aliens, U.S. citizens, and flight training providers.

AOPA Pilot Information Center: 1-800-USA-AOPA (872-2672) and [email protected]

Flight Training Security Program (FTSP)

Definitions

Non-U.S. Citizen or National candidate. Any person not a citizen or national of the United States. This also refers to resident Non-U.S. Citizen (green-card holders) and visa holders in the United States. Formerly called an "Alien." 

Aircraft Simulator. A flight simulator or flight training device as defined by 14 CFR 61.1.

Candidate. A Non-U.S. Citizen candidate or other individual designated by TSA who applies for flight training. It does not include an individual endorsed by the Department of Defense for flight training.

Flight School. Any pilot, flight training center, air carrier flight training facility, or flight instructor certificated under 14 CFR Part 61, 121, 135, 141, or 142; or any other person or entity that provides instruction under 49 U.S.C. Subtitle VII, Part A, in the operation of any aircraft or aircraft flight simulator. This also includes any individual or entity located outside the United States that provides such instruction. For example, a flight school located in Canada that provides instruction in the operation of an aircraft or aircraft simulator that would enable an individual to receive a U.S. airman certificate is subject to this rule.

Flight Training. Instruction received from a flight school in an aircraft or aircraft simulator that a candidate could use toward a recreational, sport, or private pilot certificate; multiengine or instrument rating; type rating; or any initial U.S. airman certificate issued by the FAA. Recurrent training, such as flight reviews and instrument proficiency checks, are exempt from the rule, as well as flight training listed under 14 CFR 61.31. Visit this link to view TSA’s letter clarifying the definition of flight training.

Regulations, Clarifications, and Exemptions