TSA Registration Requirements
After 2001, International Students arriving in the United States to complete a Private Pilot Certificate, Instrument Rating, or Multi Engine Rating, are required to complete a background check by the Transportation Security Agency. The background check is very straight forward, but requires potential students to enter accurate information. The biggest reason for receiving an M-1 Visa but failing the TSA Background check is inaccurate or vague information. We want to make this process as stress free as possible. Below is a list of items which will aid you in completing the TSA requirements. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact us by email or phone!
The TSA registration process should be started at least 10 day prior to your departure date to the United States. This allows the paperwork to be in place so there is no delay in starting your training upon your arrival.
1. In order to pre-register with the TSA:
a. Log on to the TSA Home Page
b. Scroll down the page and select NEW ACCOUNT
c. Provide all information requested for the pre-registration. Once completed you will receive an email from the TSA including your User ID and a temporary Password. If you don't receive this email, please contact us and we will help.
2. To apply for training with Career Pilot School through the TSA requirements:
a. Log on to the TSA Home Page
b. Insert your User ID and temporary Password
c. The system will help you to create your own password (easier to remember for future access)
d. Your personal control panel will then appear
e. Proceed to the personal information folder on the upper left window and click on it.
f. At this point, the system will take you through a 9-step process for your application. Be ready to provide the following information:
- Personal Information (i.e. First, Middle, Last Name, Date of Birth, Place of Birth, Citizenship…)
- Passport Information (Passport number, Visa Number, I-20 or SEVIS number if available)
- Pilot certificate information (if available)
- Residency and Employment information for the past 5 years
- Training provider information (Career Pilot School, LLC)
- Course Information and duration of training
- You will need to register for individual ratings with the TSA, even if you are doing our Accelerated Part 141 Course. Here are the individual ratings and their associated aircraft:
1) Private Pilot Certification Course (C-152)
2) Instrument Rating Course (Piper Archer PA-28-181 and Cessna 172 CE-172)
3) Commercial Pilot Certification Course (Beechcraft Duchess BE-76)
g. Once completed, return to the TSA Home Page and scroll down to the bottom portion of the page. You will see a table showing the current status of your application.
h. Select the icon corresponding to the review of your application. The system will check on the validity of your application and will guide through the corrections to be made if there is any errors.
i. Once corrected you can click on the icon corresponding to the submission of your application. The system will submit your application to us.We will validate your application and you will be notified through e-mail by the TSA.
j. Log on to the TSA Home Page and scroll down to check on the status table. You should see that your application has been validated by Career Pilot School, LLC. Click on the dollar sign. This will lead to a secure connection for the payment of the required $130.00 processing fee. If you are taking an All-Inclusive Course, the fee is included in the price of the program. Email us at programs@careerpilotschool.com and we will take care of the fee.
k. You will receive an email confirming the payment.
l. The TSA will then give you the necessary information for the collection of your fingerprints. You will have your fingerprints taken upon arrival at Career Pilot School. You may have the choice of completing this step near your home. If so, we can discuss that option with you.
m. The TSA will then review your application (it may take as many as 30 to 45 days!) and will notify you of their final decision by email or regular mail.
n. Once accepted, you may start your flight training with Career Pilot School, LLC.