Alphabet groups continue to chip away at the hassle factor involved with the TSA’s alien flight training rule. An interpretation released by the TSA last week significantly limits the circumstances under which proof of citizenship and background checks will be required for those flying aircraft weighing less than 12,500 pounds. To trigger the requirements, the TSA now says a pilot has to be undergoing flight training that “substantially enhances piloting skills.” That means initial flight training, or multi-engine or instrument tickets, according to AOPA spokesman Andy Cebula. There’s a major deadline looming for flight instructors. By Jan. 18, all instructors have to complete initial security awareness training, but they can do so online. Anyone planning to train foreign nationals has to register with the TSA through an FAA Flight Standards District Office and then check to ensure that the prospective student has been cleared.
Alien Training Rule Relaxed A Little More
Key Takeaways:
- The TSA has significantly narrowed the scope of its alien flight training rule, now requiring proof of citizenship and background checks primarily for training that "substantially enhances piloting skills" (e.g., initial, multi-engine, instrument) in aircraft under 12,500 pounds.
- All flight instructors must complete initial security awareness training online by January 18.
- Instructors intending to train foreign nationals must register with the TSA through an FSDO and confirm the prospective student's clearance.
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