PPRuNe Forums - TSA or not TSA

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Hi,

I wish to follow an FAA ATP flight training and I'm not a US citizen but I already have an FAA PPL.
Questions :
1- Do I need to do a TSA check ?
2- Do I need a visa ? or is an ESTA enough ?
Thanks

You don't need a background check for FAA glider or balloon training. The TSA trigger for a background check is training for (1)the first FAA certificate (2)a multiengine rating (3)an instrument rating (4)a type rating. The ATP is a glorified IR so if your private is VFR only you'll need the check or if your private is SE and you want a ME ATP you'll need the check. Also, if your private is a 61.75 cert based on a foreign license you've never had training for a FAA cert so this would be your initial certificate and require a background check.