Answers for Pilots

TSA Alien Flight Training Rule

June 5, 2005 By Ian J. Twombly

Confused? AOPA's pilots can help

Although it has been public now for more than six months, the TSA Alien Flight Training Rule continues to confuse students and flight instructors alike. The rule is officially called "Flight Training for Aliens and Other Designated Individuals." The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), as directed by Congress, must now verify the citizenship of every student pilot, as well as those receiving training for their instrument or multiengine rating. The rule also requires flight instructors to take a yearly course on security awareness training, designed to educate them on threat identification and other security issues.

In the past, the most difficult question preceding the first lesson was likely, "Have you ever been in a small airplane?" The question now must be about the student's citizenship. If the student (sport, recreational, or private) is a U.S. citizen, the instructor needs to see either a passport or a birth certificate and a state or government-issued ID (such as a driver's license). The instructor then keeps copies of these documents for five years, or makes an endorsement in both the student's and his or her own logbook or other training record stating that the student has presented the appropriate citizenship documentation to the instructor. If the student is not a U.S. citizen, the flight school or flight instructor and student have to go through a registration process with the TSA.

Noncitizen students are required to submit information including current and former passport and visa information, current and former addresses, training details, and a picture and fingerprints. There is a $130 fee for registering. The initial process for flight instructors instructing a non-U.S. citizen is easier and can be completed in a few minutes. Once the registration is complete and all documents have been submitted — and the TSA confirms it has the information it needs — the student can start flying.

Active flight instructors, ground instructors, or flight school employees who have direct contact with flight students also must take yearly security awareness training. Expect the online training to take roughly an hour with a broadband connection. In subsequent years, however, either the flight school or an outside source will create the training.

Membership Q&A

Answers to frequently asked questions about your AOPA membership

Q: Why haven't I received a new membership card this year?

A: Most likely, you have received one and just didn't know it. If you renew by mail, telephone, or through our Web site annually, your membership card for the upcoming year is attached in advance of your payment to one of your renewal reminder notices, usually a few months prior to your expiration month. If you renew through our Automatic Annual Renewal Program, your card is mailed inside your membership credentials packet that you receive during your expiration month. If you can't find your card, just send us an e-mail at [email protected] or call us at 800/USA-AOPA (872-2672).

Q: Can I renew my membership online?

A: Yes, and you'll receive a $2 discount for renewing online. Go directly to the online site ( https://www.aopa.org/apps/renew/) or visit our home page and click on My AOPA in the left column and select Your Membership.

Q: I'd like to purchase an aircraft this year. How can AOPA help me?

A: Start with a visit to AOPA's Web site to find tips on buying aircraft ( www.aopa.org/members/files/guides/tipsbuy.html). You'll also find a payment calculator to help you figure out how much you can afford and an operating-cost calculator to determine how much the aircraft will cost you to operate over time. Then visit the AOPA Air Safety Foundation area online ( www.aopa.org/asf/) to find safety reviews for some of the most popular aircraft. You can also search our Web site for any STC options that are available for your aircraft. Then check out the AOPA Aircraft Financing Program, the AOPA Insurance Agency, AOPA Aircraft Title Services, and the AOPA Legal Services Plan ( www.aopa.org/info/certified/ownership.html).

Member Services contact information:

Phone: 800/USA-AOPA (872-2672), 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (ET) Monday through Friday
After hours: Renew your membership, reset your Web password, or enroll in Automatic Annual Renewal using our self-service touch-tone phone option.

E-mail: [email protected]

Web: Update your personal information, renew your membership, and much more by clicking on My AOPA in the left column of our home page.