TSA Clearance for Foreign Flight Students
Before a foreign national may begin flight training in the United States toward an FAA certificate or rating, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) must grant a security clearance. This is handled through the Flight Training Security Program (FTSP), which was previously known as the Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP).
You may complete this step from your home country before you travel, or after you arrive on Guam. Our office registers students for this programme, so you do not have to work through it alone.
Please note that this clearance applies to flight training toward a licence or rating. It is not required for our Intro Flight or Scenic Flight courses.
For how our training programme is structured, see Part 61 vs Part 141 — How We Train.
Fees
- TSA processing fee — US$140, paid directly to the TSA. A reduced fee of US$125 may apply if you hold qualifying credentials such as TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.
- Our assistance fee — US$100, if you would like our Guam office to guide you through the application.
Processing can take several weeks after your fingerprints are submitted, so please start as early as you can.
How to apply
- Go to fts.tsa.dhs.gov.
- Click LOGIN, then go to New Student Account.
- Fill out the required information. If you need assistance, please email us.
- Pay the processing fee directly to the TSA.
- Upload a clear colour copy of your passport and your visa.
- You will then receive an email requesting fingerprints, along with access to a list of approved fingerprinting agencies.
Filling out the form — common questions
- Enter your last name and first name exactly as they appear on your passport.
- Training Request Course Name: Initial
- Aircraft Type: the aircraft you will train in — for example, Cessna 172
- Category: 3 (this category covers aircraft weighing less than 12,500 lbs)
Feel free to call or email us if you have any questions or are unsure about any part of this process. We look forward to flying with you soon.
