The process typically takes up to 30 days after your fingerprints are submitted. If you qualify for expedited processing (with a Permanent Resident Card, Airman Certificate with Type Rating, Aircraft Operator Badge, or SIDA Badge), it can take as little as 5 business days.
TSA Flight Student Registration for Non-U.S. Citizens
If you are a non-U.S. citizen or non-U.S. national and want to train with our FAA Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD), you must complete the TSA Flight Training Security Program (FTSP) background check and receive a Determination of Eligibility before we can begin flight training.
Official TSA Process
Follow the exact FTSP requirements
Up to 5-Year Validity
One approval, multiple training providers
Airline Pilot Instructors
Train with professional aviators
Important Information
We do not sponsor visas or provide immigration advice.
We do not operate airplanes. Training at Simtech Aviation uses an FAA-approved AATD. You will need a separate flight school for the airplane portion of your training.
TSA FTSP approval is required for all non-U.S. citizens seeking initial pilot certification, instrument rating, multi-engine rating, type rating, or recurrent type rating training.
We cannot take fingerprints at our location. You must use IdentoGO or NATACS.
Do NOT get fingerprinted until you receive your official "Fingerprint Instructions" email from TSA. Submitting fingerprints early will invalidate them and may cancel your application with no refund.
Training Events Requiring TSA Clearance
The following types of flight training require FTSP approval
1
Initial Pilot Certification
Private, recreational, sport pilot (fixed-wing, rotorcraft, land, sea)
2
Instrument Rating
Training for IFR flight capabilities
3
Multi-Engine Rating
Training for multi-engine aircraft operation
4
Type Rating
Certification for specific aircraft types
5
Recurrent Training for Type Rating
Required to maintain/renew existing type ratings
Do You Need TSA Approval?
!
Must Apply for Security Threat Assessment
- Non-U.S. Citizens — All non-citizens seeking covered flight training
- Lawful Permanent Residents — Must apply; Green Card qualifies for expedited processing
- Asylum Seekers / Refugees — May use alternate documentation if no passport available
- Parolees — Must provide appropriate documentation
- Training Outside U.S. — Must apply; U.S. visa not required but must be listed if held
Before You Start
1
Have your passport ready
You'll need the Machine Readable Zone information
2
Allow sufficient time
The process takes up to 30 days after fingerprints are submitted (5 business days for expedited)
3
Budget for fees
TSA Background Check: $140 (or $125 with qualifying credentials) + Fingerprinting: ~$99
4
Use a personal email address
Not a school or employer email; you'll need long-term access
5
Use Microsoft Edge browser
For best performance with the TSA portal
Fee Structure
Fees are non-refundable. Processing begins immediately upon payment.
Regular
$140
Up to 30 days
Standard application
Reduced Fee
$125
Up to 30 days
TSA PreCheck KTN, Global Entry/SENTRI/NEXUS, TWIC Card, or CDL with HME
Expedited
$140
Up to 5 business days
Permanent Resident Card, Airman Certificate with Type Rating, Aircraft Operator Badge, or SIDA Badge
Reduced + Expedited
$125
Up to 5 business days
Qualifies for both reduced fee AND expedited processing
Step-by-Step Process
Complete these steps to receive your Determination of Eligibility
1Part 1
Book a 2-Hour Lesson with Us
Complete a full 2-hour session in our AATD while we confirm your goals, explain the TSA process, and verify that your planned training matches TSA requirements.
2Part 2
Create Your FTSP Account
Go to fts.tsa.dhs.gov and select "Register Options" > "Candidate Portal". Complete all 6 registration steps.
⚠ You will receive 2 emails from TSA. Reset your password within 4 hours or you must start over.
- Step 1: Personal Information - Must match your passport's Machine Readable Zone exactly
- Step 2: Passport Information
- Step 3: Create User ID - Permanent, lowercase letters only
- +3 more
3Part 2
Complete Your STA Application
After logging in, complete all 6 sections of the Security Threat Assessment application.
- Personal Info: Name from Machine Readable Zone (no special characters), DOB, birth country, sex
- Other Names: Aliases, name variations, spelled-out initials from passport
- Citizenship: All current, dual, and historical citizenships with dates
- +3 more
4Part 2
Upload Required Documents
Upload clear images of your passport, visa (if applicable), and any credentials that qualify you for reduced fees or expedited processing.
- Accepted formats: JPG/JPEG (preferred), GIF, PDF, MS Word
- Maximum size: 5 MB per image
- Upload front AND back if data appears on both sides
- +1 more
5Part 2
Pay the TSA Background Check Fee
Payment is through Pay.gov only (no wire transfer, mail, or phone). Fees are non-refundable - processing begins immediately.
- Standard fee: $140
- Reduced fee: $125 (if you qualify)
- Determination of Eligibility valid for up to 5 years
6Part 2
Wait for Fingerprint Instructions, Then Submit Fingerprints
CRITICAL: Do NOT get fingerprinted until you receive the official email titled "Documents Accepted - Fingerprint Instructions Available".
⚠ Submitting fingerprints before receiving this email will invalidate them, potentially cancel your application, and result in no refund.
- Bring: Printed Fingerprint Instructions email + Government ID matching your application + Passport
- Providers: IdentoGO by IDEMIA (TSA official) or NATACS
7Part 2
Wait for TSA Background Check Completion
Processing takes up to 30 days after fingerprints are submitted (5 business days for expedited). TSA communicates only via email.
- Determination of Eligibility: Approved for up to 5 years - Select flight training provider(s)
- Preliminary Determination of Ineligibility: 180 days to correct your record
- Final Determination of Ineligibility: Cannot participate in flight training
8Part 2
Select Simtech Aviation as Your Provider
After receiving your "Determination of Eligibility - Final Approval Granted" email, log into the FTSP portal and select us as your provider.
- Click "Select a Provider" or "Manage My Flight Training Providers"
- Select your state (New York)
- Find and select Simtech Aviation
- +1 more
Approved Fingerprint Providers
We cannot take fingerprints at our location. Use one of these approved providers:
NATACS
Offers domestic and international Trusted Agent network; requires TWO separate fingerprint submissions
Maintaining Your Eligibility
Keep Updated
- Name changes
- Address changes
- Employer changes
- New/renewed passport
- New/renewed visa or immigration documents
- New airman certificates
Expiration Warnings
- 60 days before expiration: Email notification
- 30 days before expiration: Email notification
- Upon expiration: Must cease all training; reapply with new fee
Tip: Reapply 1-6 months before your Determination expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the TSA FTSP process
Ready to Begin?
Start your journey by booking a 2-hour demo lesson. We'll explain the TSA process and help you understand the requirements.
TSA rules can change. Always review the official FTSP Candidate Guide and your TSA emails carefully.
Questions About TSA Registration?
Get personalized guidance on the FTSP process for international students.