mutt
I think that there is a vast difference between a suitably qualified CPL/ATP holder looking to do a type rating in an aircraft above 12,500 lbs and Joe Soap or a PPL holder asking to fly an airliner.
I would disagree with that, I do not think one should discriminate based upon what is written on your licence, but obviously the powers that be agree with you
As
cross check stated
Foreign nationals who are current and qualified as pilot in command, second in command, or flight engineer with respective certificates with ratings recognized by the United States for aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds or more, or who are currently employed by U.S. air carriers as pilots on aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds or more.
are treated differently.
Flight schools should be able to profile those who are qualified for the task and those who are not Flight schools do not have that expertise, and I bet they don't want to get involved in that either. Surely if people are going to be background checked the appropriate agency is governmental? I think the checks need to be made more efficient and user-friendly, but if you read the document cited by
cross check the US Government is aware of that too
The US wants people to train here for 'reasons of National Security', they can keep an eye on what they see as potential future terrorists. If they drive jet training offshore, they have reduced visibility of these people.
it has more to do with improving airport and aircraft security. Surely the best way to secure an aircraft is to secure the pilots? As we are constantly reminded by pilots objecting to searches at the security barrier, they can bring a plane down without a nail clipper. Surely it makes sense to look at the people who are training to fly large jets?
They had at least one airline that was moving it’s training to Europe and having the FAA fly to Europe to conduct the type ratings!
Was this because of this new security clause, or something else. Seems a bit of an over-reaction if it's due to background checks. Anyway, it doesn't matter. Read the documents and you will see that if you have an FAA type rating issued overseas, you still need the security clearance. The scenario you described does not avoid this.
Surely this is a financial loss to an American company?
Sounds like it. But is it related to the security issue? This could be due to all sorts of things.
Cheers