...Meanwhile

…Meanwhile

Editorial Staff

Sunday, September 26, 2004 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

A new TSA rule for flight training checks is causing confusion, particularly whether its stipulations apply to U.S. citizens or only foreign nationals, despite TSA assurances that the intent is to screen foreign nationals.
Multiple aviation industry associations are meeting with the TSA to discuss these issues and seek clarification and resolution.
Despite the confusion, the rule is final, and CFIs are advised to familiarize themselves with its requirements; TSA will launch dedicated websites and a help desk for resources and applications from October 5.

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The rule does state that U.S. citizens need only to prove their status to be exempted from the TSA check, by showing a passport or other identification, which the flight school must keep on record for five years. But the TSA’s use of the term “candidate,” which the TSA defines as “an alien or other individual designated by TSA who applies for flight training,” seems to be causing confusion. Many of the rule’s stipulations that appear to apply to any “candidate” for flight training probably refer only to aliens. AOPA said it has been assured by TSA Administrator Adm. David Stone that the agency’s intent was to check foreign nationals who are seeking flight training, not U.S. citizens. Regardless, a slew of representatives from aviation industry associations, including NATA, GAMA, EAA, AOPA and others, will meet with the TSA on Thursday to discuss their issues and to seek resolution. TSA spokeswoman Ann Davis told AVweb on Friday that she was aware that various concerns had been raised, but deferred comment until after that meeting.

“The bottom line is that this was issued as a final rule, so at the very least, CFIs should begin familiarizing themselves with its requirements,” AOPA spokesman Chris Dancy told AVweb on Friday. On Oct. 5, two TSA Web sites — one for flight schools and one for flight-training candidates — will be available for applications and instructions. The TSA will also be staffing a help desk at 703-542-1222. E-mail questions are also being accepted at AFSP.help@dhs.gov.