Understanding the TSA Flight Training Security Program (FTSP): A Guide for International Flight Students

If you're a non-U.S. citizen interested in earning your pilot certificates in the United States, you'll likely need to complete the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) Flight Training Security Program (FTSP) before beginning flight training.

While the process may seem intimidating at first, understanding the requirements and timeline can help you prepare and avoid delays. This guide explains who must participate in the program, how the Security Threat Assessment (STA) works, and what to expect along the way.

What Is the Flight Training Security Program (FTSP)?

The Flight Training Security Program (FTSP) is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through the TSA. Its purpose is to ensure that non-U.S. citizens and non-U.S. nationals seeking flight training do not pose a threat to aviation or national security.

Under federal regulations, U.S. flight training providers may only provide certain types of flight training to eligible international students who have received a TSA Determination of Eligibility (DOE).

Who Must Participate in FTSP?

Generally, any person who is not a U.S. citizen or U.S. national and wishes to receive flight training toward any of the following certificates or ratings must complete the FTSP process:

• Private Pilot Certificate
• Instrument Rating
• Multi-Engine Rating

The TSA requires eligible candidates to complete a Security Threat Assessment (STA) and receive a Determination of Eligibility before beginning training.

How Does the Security Threat Assessment (STA) Process Work?

The process begins by creating an account through the TSA FTSP portal. During registration, candidates will provide personal information and upload documentation that allows TSA to verify identity, immigration status, and eligibility.

The general process includes:

1. Create an FTSP candidate account.
2. Complete the Security Threat Assessment application.
3. Upload required identity and immigration documents.
4. Pay the applicable TSA fee.
5. Receive instructions for fingerprinting.
6. Submit fingerprints at an approved TSA fingerprinting facility.
7. TSA conducts background and security checks.
8. Receive a Determination of Eligibility (DOE) if approved.

TSA's review includes identity verification, immigration checks, database reviews, and an FBI fingerprint-based criminal history records check.

What Documents Are Required?

Document requirements vary depending on a candidate's immigration status, but applicants should generally be prepared to provide:

• Valid passport
• U.S. Visa (if applicable)
• Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), if applicable
• Employment Authorization Document (EAD), if applicable
• Additional immigration documentation requested by TSA

As part of the Security Threat Assessment, candidates must submit fingerprints through a TSA-approved fingerprint collection provider. When attending a fingerprint appointment, candidates must bring the documents identified in their TSA fingerprint instructions email. The information on all documents must match the information submitted through the FTSP application.

Is There a Fee?

Yes. All FTSP candidates must pay a TSA application fee as part of the Security Threat Assessment process. Refer to https://www.fts.tsa.dhs.gov/home for the current fee.

In some cases, a reduced fee may be available if the applicant already holds a qualifying security clearance, background investigation, or comparable security assessment accepted by TSA. Examples may include certain trusted traveler or federally administered security programs.

Applicants seeking a reduced fee must provide documentation demonstrating their eligibility for the comparable security assessment.

How long does the FTSP process take?

Federal regulations state that TSA will process complete Security Threat Assessment applications within 30 days. However, actual processing times vary depending on application volume, document verification requirements, and individual circumstances.

Many candidates report receiving approval within several weeks after fingerprint submission, while others may experience longer processing times.

Permanent residents (Green Card holders) may experience faster processing because TSA can more easily verify immigration status and identity information. While processing times are never guaranteed, permanent residents have frequently reported receiving approvals in as little as one week after completing fingerprinting and document review.

Can I start flight training before receiving my DOE?

No. TSA regulations require candidates to receive a Determination of Eligibility before beginning covered flight training.

However, you can take a Discovery Flight before obtaining your Determination of Eligibility!

Do I need to select a flight school before applying?

No. Candidates can complete the Security Threat Assessment process first and obtain their Determination of Eligibility before selecting a participating flight training provider.

What Happens After Approval?

Once TSA approves the Security Threat Assessment, the candidate receives a Determination of Eligibility (DOE).

At that point, the candidate can select a participating flight training provider and begin training.

For international students in Idaho's Treasure Valley, Carmel Aviation is one of the few flight training providers in the region that accepts international students and can work with candidates who have obtained their TSA Determination of Eligibility.

How Long Is a Determination of Eligibility Valid?

A Determination of Eligibility is generally valid for five years from the date it is issued.

This means that, in most cases, students can continue progressing through additional ratings and certificates during that five-year period without having to repeat the full FTSP approval process.

Ready to Begin?

If you're an international student interested in flight training at Carmel Aviation, obtaining your TSA Determination of Eligibility is the first step toward earning your pilot certificates.

Once approved, Carmel can help guide you through the next stage of your aviation journey and provide professional flight training in the Treasure Valley.

Contact us if you have questions!