Do I need TSA approval?
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2012
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From: Europe
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.
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 101
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From: Canada
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.
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.
Last edited by surveytheworld; 23rd March 2013 at 19:43.
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 6
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From: Europe
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.
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 200
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From: Qatar mainly & Sometimes Oxfordshire or Texas!
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.
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.
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5
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From: New York, USA
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§ion=WN
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§ion=WN
Last edited by indefinitehold; 3rd April 2013 at 21:14.
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 372
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From: Los Angeles
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).
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
Originally Posted by Chinchilla.612
As I say though, best bet is check what your training provider wants you to have and go with that.
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.
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 237
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From: The Netherlands
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 !
Gerrit
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 !
Gerrit
The Cooler King
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,717
Likes: 30
From: Europe
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.
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,181
Likes: 1
From: any town as retired.
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
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
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 510
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From: Not far from the edge of the Milky Way Galaxy in the Orion Arm.
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.
Last edited by Natstrackalpha; 19th June 2013 at 11:59.
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 226
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From: Canada
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.
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.
Joined: Nov 2007
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 1,954
Likes: 30
From: Texas
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.)
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.)
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2
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From: Switzerland
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
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