TSA Flight Training Security Program Requirements
Before certain flight training can begin, Dubois Aviation must verify whether a student is a U.S. citizen or U.S. national, a qualifying DoD endorsee, or a TSA-approved candidate with a valid Determination of Eligibility through the Flight Training Security Program (FTSP).
U.S. Citizens and U.S. Nationals
If you are a U.S. citizen or U.S. national, bring acceptable proof of citizenship or nationality before beginning covered flight training. Dubois Aviation must review the documentation and keep the required training records.
Common documents students bring
- Valid, unexpired U.S. passport.
- U.S. birth certificate plus government-issued photo ID.
- Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship plus government-issued photo ID.
- Other acceptable documentation listed by TSA in the FTSP Portal.
Non-U.S. Citizens and Non-U.S. Nationals
If you are not a U.S. citizen or U.S. national, TSA may require you to complete a Security Threat Assessment (STA) through the FTSP Portal before you can begin covered flight training.
What TSA reviews
- Identity and biographic information.
- Immigration or lawful-presence information.
- Required identity documents.
- Fingerprints, when TSA instructs you to complete them.
- The applicable TSA Security Threat Assessment fee.
Training that may be covered by FTSP
TSA rules apply to flight training toward certain FAA certificates and ratings. Covered training commonly includes:
- Initial pilot certificate training, including sport, recreational, or private pilot training.
- Instrument rating training.
- Multiengine rating training.
- Type rating training and recurrent training required to maintain or renew a type rating, when applicable.
Discovery flights, ground training, flight reviews, instrument proficiency checks, and similar proficiency checks may not require the same FTSP process, but students should confirm their situation with Dubois Aviation before scheduling training.
How to start the TSA FTSP process
- Contact Dubois Aviation before submitting your TSA application so the provider, course, aircraft, and training details are entered correctly.
- Create or log in to your FTSP account at the official TSA FTSP Portal.
- Submit your Security Threat Assessment application if TSA requires one for your training.
- Watch your email carefully. TSA sends important instructions and status updates by email.
- Complete fingerprints only when TSA instructs you to do so through the FTSP process.
- After TSA issues a Determination of Eligibility, make sure Dubois Aviation is selected as your flight training provider in the FTSP Portal.
- Bring your identification, citizenship or immigration documents, and FTSP status information with you before training begins.
Timing and approval
TSA rules state that complete Security Threat Assessment applications are processed within 30 days. Processing can take longer if information is incomplete, documents are unclear, fingerprints are delayed, or TSA requests additional information.
A TSA Determination of Eligibility may be valid for up to five years, but it can end sooner if immigration authorization expires earlier or if TSA changes the determination.
Important note
Dubois Aviation can help you understand what information we need as your flight training provider, but TSA controls the FTSP application, Security Threat Assessment, fingerprinting instructions, fees, and eligibility decision.
If you have questions about your visa or immigration status, contact a qualified immigration professional or the appropriate government agency before starting training.
Official TSA and government links
Use these current official links for TSA FTSP information. The current TSA program name is Flight Training Security Program (FTSP).
Need help getting ready for TSA FTSP?
Send us a quick note and we can help you understand the Dubois Aviation side of the process before you submit your TSA FTSP application. Please include the course or rating you want, whether you are a U.S. citizen or U.S. national, whether you already have an FTSP account, and your ideal start date.