The TSA has designed a guide to provide step-by step assistance to Candidates and Providers navigating the AFSP Flight Training Request Application process. It contains detailed, user-friendly instructions and tips to facilitate filling out the online application, choosing a category, sending documents, submitting the application and then checking the status of the training request.
For help with this website, send an email to AFSP.Help@dhs.gov or call (571)227-4544.
All persons wishing to obtain flight training in the United States must either prove that they are a U.S. citizen or must obtain a clearance from the United States Transportation and Security Administration (TSA) prior to beginning their training. All prospective students that do not have a U.S., F.A.A. pilot certificate must obtain the TSA clearance for their Initial Airman’s Certificate (i.e. Private Pilot Certificate). In addition, flight training for your initial Instrument Rating (IR) and your initial Multi-Engine Rating (MEL) requires T.S.A. clearance. As you can see, not all prospective students are required to go through the TSA clearance process.
That is to say, all flight training that will result in the issuance of your first F.A.A. pilot certificate, your first instrument add on rating and/or your first add on multi-engine rating will require a TSA clearance.
Each of these training events requires a separate training request. All other training events on aircraft with maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 12,500 lbs. or less are exempt from AFSP regulations, including CPL, ATP, CFI, CFII and MEI.
Ready to be a Professional Pilot? Want to experience our Redbird FMX Simulator, or join our ranks via your university’s aviation program? Let’s get you in the air.