Do I need TSA approval?
 

I'm going to the U.S. soon for a Citation type rating course. I wonder if I need to apply for a TSA? I have a European CPL/IR/ME and valid type rating for another a/c if it has any significance.

Yes, definitely !

Each & every type rating requires TSA approval.

Ok, so I need permission. Even if I only fly simulator during the rating course?

Yes, even if you only fly the simulator.

I was on a Gulfstream course in the US and there was a gentleman in the class who waited did his fingerprinting on arrival at Flight Safety. The TSA approval arrived back *just* in time for him to start sim training (he could do CPTs without it, that's it) - he was beginning to worry... extra stress that could have been avoided.

Also, a mechanic friend of mine was on a maintenance course and they had a session or two in the sim to learn ground runs, troubleshooting, etc. They could start engines and run a few drills and stuff, but they couldn't close the door, put the motion on, or take it "up" for a fun circuit since none of them had (nor required) the TSA clearance.

Ok
 

Thank you!

Hi Flyah,
Just for future reference for you, TSA clearance is required for recurrent training as well as initial courses.
Have fun!

Thanks for your response! Do I need anything else then the TSA approval? I am just planning to do some simulator hours and a skill test for a small jet type rating (JAA) in the U.S. Have no intentions to convert my license or something like that.

Flyah,
It is best to check the exact requirements with your training provider as I know it can vary from place to place - different interpretations of the same rules...........
I can tell you that I have required TSA approval for every training event I have had in the US (FAA and JAA alike) but have never required a visa (UK Passport holder).
Some friends of mine have trained at other schools and been required to get M1 or B1/B2 visas variously, so it seems a bit hit and miss really.
As I say though, best bet is check what your training provider wants you to have and go with that.
I've just completed my latest TSA approval yesterday ready for some fun in the sim in a couple of weeks time and the process seems to be running smoothly at the moment :)
Enjoy the States when you get there too.

Just an FYI. I teach at a FAA FAR part 142 center on the Falcon EASy aircraft. I thought you might be interested in the clarification of the categories.

there are four categories of candidates:

Category 1 is for pilots who do not have a heavy type rating (over 12,500 lbs.) on their FAA or foreign airman certificate. Initial Type Rating TSA Approval Process

Category 2 is for pilots who do have a heavy type rating (over 12,500 lbs.) on their FAA or foreign airman certificate, but are training in an aircraft they are not currently qualified in. Initial Type Rating TSA Approval Process

Category 3 is for pilots training in any aircraft with a MTOW of 12,500 lbs. or less. (Note: in many cases Category 3 is waived and no TSA application is required. Check with your learning center).

Category 4 is for pilots who are training in aircraft they are already qualified in, for example recurrent training. No fingerprints are required. Recurrent TSA Approval Process

https://www.flightschoolcandidates.g...e=c&section=WN

That is a little misleading. There are strict criteria that determine what might be exempt. Essentially, first issue of a full FAA certificate (whether it be Private or Commercial) requires TSA - even for somebody who may already hold a 61.75 based on cert.

Check out the FAQ on the AFSP website:
https://www.flightschoolcandidates.gov/afsp2/?acct_type=c§ion=WN#faq
in particular step 2.
as is Step 8 in the category guide as who must apply:
https://www.flightschoolcandidates.gov/afsp2/?acct_type=c§ion=WN#guide

A lot depends on the training provider's own status with SEVIS.
If they are not SEVIS approved - you may find an unscrupulous flight school possibly tell a student that s/he doesn't need a M1 Visa (for example) - because they are not in a position to sponsor the student - rather than turn business away.

INFORMATIONS
 

Hi,
I need a piece of information about time building in USA.
Greece is very expensive. I hold cpl / jar fcl with 135 hours.
What I have to do to become FI ?
Thanks

Time building as PIC in a 'N' reg. you will need an FAA certificate.
For CFI, you will need TSA, VISA and a commercial (single or multi) FAA certificate.

Hope that helps

Slowtation !
 

Flyah, I did my Citation 500 initial at SIMCOM in Orlando, FL.
They take care of all the paperwork and approvals required.
Price +/- USD 16000
They also type CJ 1,2,3.
I ended up instructing there, great outfit !:ok:

Gerrit

A once glorious and pioneering industry, now sadly reduced to the above.

TSA approval needed for FAA training anywhere
 

Even when if in London or Dubai TSA approval is needed.

SO just to show the logic involved, if I was doing a JAA recurrent I could be in the same sim doing basically the same training as a FAA guy who needed foreign government approval to do the same stuff.

Then we can both go and fly a VP aircraft together to America.....


WTF

GLF

Yes you do need a TSA approval - don`t leave home without it.

TSA for CFI revalidation?
 

I'd appreciate some feedback.
I've got a US ATP and my CFI-II-ME needs to be "revalidated" that is by a ride with one of the designated airman examiners.

When I read the regs, it does not appear to me that I need to obtain the TSA. I don't live in the USA, I don't intend to work in the USA but will use it in Canada
for the odd check ride while instructing.

My US ATP was issued by itself in the USA and NOT based on a reciprocal license.

I'd like to avoid the cost of the $120 fee if possible.

First of all, I take it you are "reinstating" (not revalidating) your CFI because more than 2 years has gone by. Don't let this happen again.

There's not much about CFI certs on the TSA web site. Since you are not adding to your skill set, I'd say no clearance is required. Lots of contact info on the AOPA web site (search TSA on the AOPA site.)

Hi There,

I am flying a private EC130 off the back of a yacht about to head over to Florida from Europe and was wanting some information on security clearances. The machine is registered in Aruba and all operations will be conducted as private. I keep reading TSA requirements for flight training but my flying is generally scenics.
I am also a New Zealand citizen if that makes any difference?

Cheers

While my experience with yachts that bring their own helicopter is sorely lacking, I believe you clear into the country however a boat does and then you are good to go. The TSA #%^! applies if you are training to add a skill set to your licence. There some regs covering the operation of foreign aircraft in the US. The pilot must have a license from the country of registration and be able the speak English. There are equipment requirements for IFR flight. The main thing I would say is become familiar with the airspace around your port of call. Key West comes to mind as a place where the Class C or D airspace includes the harbor.

Hi,

I'm planning to go to the US for a self sponsored A320 type rating with Pan Am in Miami. I have a current and valid B1/B2 Visa with Multiple Entries Allowed and an expiry of October 2014. And I have been approved by TSA before for ab initio training but that was back in 2011. Do I need to get TSA approved again or just fly to the US with my passport? I'm really confused, pls help:confused:

Ramjet555

If you are a non-US citizen training in Canada at a PART 142 Certificated school, you WILL still need a TSA clearance.

Canada is not a gold mine for FAA examiners who can do your CFI renewal. I suspect you'll still have to head south of the border for that. Again, that TSA clearance will be needed.

Alwayswannafly

Yes. Each training event requires a TSA clearance. They want to know the 5Ws regarding the training.


Willie

Im scheduled for training in the US on the 6th of June.
Just paid on the TSA page, and are awaiting approval to get the fingers scanned.
A couple of questions:

- How long does it normally take before you can get the approval to do the scanning? Paid on the 16th May.
- Sim center says I can do the scanning when I arrive in the US. Have 3 days of ground school, and they claim that it only takes 4 days to get approval to train after the scan.
I have the option to do the scan in Europe before I leave. Probably on the 28-29th May. Does anybody know if it will take longer than the normal 4 days if you do this in Europe than what the Sim center claims it will take in the US??

It going to be tight in any case.:rolleyes:

Depends on the backlog of cases, usually a couple of weeks from payment to fingerprints to approval. Most schools in the US will take you to the local PD on arrival, it could save some time doing it in advance, but most places know how to charge.

Alex.

For time building you only need to convert your ICAO certificate to an FAA certificate. This is largely a paper work issue, followed by a Flight Review with a Flight Instructor. Since training for a Certificate or Rating is not taking place, you are not required to get TSA clearance.

Good luck! And if you need to do some cheap time building I'm offering a summer special through my company. $55/hr (dry) for a 100hr block in a 172. If you want more info you can pm me here or email: [email protected]