TSA Alien Flight Training Rule
FAA Examiners can no longer give checkrides to foreign pilots without evidence that the applicant had cleared TSA security checks. This is a new development but it indicates that TSA is no longer willing to put up with the wave of uncooperative behavior demonstrated by flight schools and independent instructors who have criticized the rule as unworkable.
Processing times are currently 5 working days but this is due to expand to 30 days (the limit authorized by Congress) as more people start registering.
Additionally there is significant confusion about whether or not a student may start flight training while TSA conducts it's background checks. TSA's own helpdesk is unable to conclusively state one way or another. Notwithstanding that point, if processing times continue to expand, students should consider budgeting for delays in their training programs.
The law was hastily written and failed to consider that the "devils always in the detail."
Last edited by cfimei; 29th Jan 2005 at 03:54.