How to Get TSA Approval for Flight Training: The Ultimate 9-Step Guide

Why Is TSA Approval for Flight Training Required

If you’re a non-U.S. citizen planning to train as a pilot in the United States, you’ll need TSA approval for flight training before you can take your first lesson. This is part of the Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP), created by the Transportation Security Administration after 9/11 to screen foreign nationals entering U.S. flight schools.

TSA approval is mandatory for most certificate or rating programs, including Private Pilot, Commercial, and Multi-Engine training. The process involves online registration, submitting documents, fingerprinting, and waiting for clearance—all of which can delay your start if done incorrectly.

This guide breaks down the 9 exact steps to get TSA approval for flight training—quickly and without errors—so you can start your journey with full compliance and zero delays.

What Is the AFSP and Why Does It Matter?

The Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP) is a TSA-managed security clearance system created after 9/11. It’s required for any non-U.S. citizen or non-permanent resident who wants to receive flight training in the United States.

This program helps the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screen international students before they gain access to training on U.S. aircraft or simulators. It applies to flight schools, independent instructors, and even universities offering FAA-certified programs.

If you’re pursuing a Private Pilot License (PPL), Commercial Rating, Instrument Rating, or Multi-Engine training, you’ll likely need to apply through AFSP. Many new students delay their training simply because they don’t realize how early they need to start the process.

Common mistake: Some applicants assume TSA approval is automatic once they get a visa—it’s not. AFSP is a separate, mandatory step that must be completed before your first lesson begins.

Who Needs TSA Approval for Flight Training?

If you’re asking who exactly needs TSA approval for flight training, here’s the short answer: most international students.

You need TSA clearance if:

You’re not a U.S. citizen or green card holder
You’re training on a U.S.-registered aircraft
Your training falls into one of TSA’s four defined categories (Category 1–4), covering initial, recurrent, or advanced certification

Most commonly, M1 and F1 visa holders will need TSA approval before beginning any Part 141 or Part 61 flight training. This includes students attending U.S.-based flight academies like Florida Flyers Flight Academy or college-based aviation programs.

You don’t need TSA approval if:

You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (but you must provide proof of citizenship for recordkeeping)
You’re flying aircraft outside the U.S., or not receiving formal training on U.S. soil

Pro Tip: Your TSA approval request must match the training type and aircraft category exactly. Submitting the wrong category is one of the most common causes of rejection or delay.

TSA Approval for Flight Training: The 9-Step Process

Getting TSA approval for flight training isn’t complicated—but it’s detail-sensitive. Missing a step or uploading the wrong document can delay your training by weeks. Here’s how to get through the process efficiently and without guesswork.

Step 1: Choose an AFSP-Approved Flight School

Before applying, you must be accepted by a flight school registered with the Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP). Schools like Florida Flyers are already approved and experienced with helping students navigate the TSA process.

Step 2: Create an Account on the AFSP Website

Visit fts.tsa.dhs.gov to register. Use your full legal name exactly as it appears on your passport and visa.

Step 3: Submit Your Flight Training Request

Choose your training category (Category 1–4). Most initial private pilot students fall under Category 3, while recurrent or advanced training may fall under other categories. Be precise—this affects your approval path.

Step 4: Upload Required Documents

Scan and upload the biographic page of your passport, your visa (e.g., M1, F1), your I-20 form, and your flight school acceptance letter. Make sure each document is clearly visible and unaltered.

Step 5: Pay the TSA Processing Fee

The current fee is $130 USD (non-refundable). Payment is done online after your request is submitted.

Step 6: Await Preliminary Approval

Once your request is reviewed, TSA will issue a preliminary confirmation allowing you to proceed to fingerprinting. You’ll receive this via email through your AFSP account.

Step 7: Schedule and Complete Fingerprinting

You must complete fingerprinting through a TSA-approved facility. Your school may assist, or you can schedule directly through providers like IdentoGO. Timing is critical—your fingerprint confirmation must be submitted for final clearance.

Step 8: Await Final TSA Clearance

TSA will review your fingerprints, background check results, and all submitted documents. If everything is in order, final approval is typically issued within 5–15 business days.

Step 9: Begin Your Flight Training

Once you receive the TSA’s official approval notice via email, your flight school can legally begin your training. Print and save a copy for your records.

Pro Tip: Always check your email for AFSP updates—missed messages often delay final clearance. And never begin any training before final TSA approval, even ground sessions.

TSA Approval for Flight Training: Documents Needed

To complete your TSA approval for flight training, you’ll need to upload a set of required documents through the AFSP portal. These documents verify your identity, visa status, and flight training intent—and any error here can lead to delays or outright rejection.

Here’s what you’ll need to upload:

Passport (biographic page): Must be current and match the name used in your AFSP application.
U.S. Visa and I-20 or DS-2019 form: For M1 or F1 visa holders, these forms confirm your student status and program enrollment.
Flight School Acceptance Letter: This must be issued by an AFSP-approved school (like Florida Flyers) and should include program start date, course type, and location.
Training Details: Specify your training category (Category 1–4), the aircraft you’ll train on, and the expected duration of training.

Note: Upload all documents in high resolution and PDF format where possible. If TSA cannot read your passport or visa, your TSA approval for flight training will be delayed.

Common TSA Mistakes That Delay Flight Training

Applying for TSA approval for flight training involves multiple steps—and small errors can add days or even weeks to your approval timeline. Here are the most common mistakes student pilots make:

Choosing the Wrong Training Category: Each category in the AFSP system refers to a specific type of training. For example, initial PPL students fall under Category 3. Selecting the wrong one means your application might be flagged, rejected, or delayed.

Uploading Incomplete or Mismatched Documents: Blurry passport photos, expired visa scans, or missing I-20 forms are top reasons why TSA approval for flight training gets stuck in review. All document uploads must match your application details exactly.

Delaying Fingerprint Scheduling: After receiving preliminary approval, you must complete fingerprinting as soon as possible. Waiting too long can reset your timeline and push back your final clearance.

Pro Tip: Review each uploaded document before submitting and schedule fingerprinting immediately after your preliminary approval. The faster you complete your part, the faster TSA does theirs.

How Florida Flyers Helps Students Get TSA Approved Faster

Securing TSA approval for flight training can be overwhelming—especially for international students navigating the process for the first time. That’s why many pilots choose Florida Flyers Flight Academy, a school known for guiding students through every step of the TSA and AFSP process.

Here’s how Florida Flyers makes TSA approval faster, smoother, and less stressful:

Step-by-Step AFSP Registration Support

From the moment you’re accepted into a program, the admissions team walks you through setting up your AFSP account, choosing the correct training category, and submitting your flight training request—ensuring everything matches TSA criteria from the start.

Fast Document Validation

Florida Flyers reviews all required documents—including passport scans, visa pages, I-20 forms, and acceptance letters—before you upload them to the TSA portal. This reduces errors that can delay TSA approval for flight training by days or even weeks.

Fingerprinting Assistance and Scheduling

Once your preliminary approval is issued, the team helps you locate an approved fingerprinting facility and ensures your confirmation is submitted promptly. You’re not left guessing what to do next.

Complete Visa and Compliance Support

In addition to TSA processing, Florida Flyers supports students with SEVIS, I-20 issuance, and visa documentation—making it one of the few schools offering a fully integrated onboarding process for international pilots.

So, if you’re asking how to get TSA approval for flight training without delays or mistakes, the answer is simple: choose a school that does it every day—with proven systems and dedicated support in place.

Conclusion

If you’re an international student dreaming of becoming a pilot in the United States, securing TSA approval for flight training is one of the first—and most important—steps in your journey. This approval isn’t just a bureaucratic hurdle. It’s a mandatory national security measure that ensures you’re cleared to receive aviation instruction on U.S. soil.

But here’s the truth: many students lose valuable time, money, and training momentum simply because they didn’t understand the process, submitted incomplete documents, or delayed their fingerprinting appointment. And every delay means you’re further from that first solo flight or certification milestone.

The good news? It doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right guidance and a flight school experienced in handling TSA requirements, the process becomes smooth, structured, and fast.

That’s why pilots from around the world choose Florida Flyers Flight Academy. As an AFSP-participating school, Florida Flyers offers a full suite of services to help you get TSA cleared—faster, with fewer errors, and with complete visa compliance support along the way.

FAQ: TSA Approval for Flight Training

Do I need TSA approval for flight training if I’m on an M1 visa?

Yes. If you’re an international student on an M1 visa (or F1), you are required to obtain TSA approval for flight training before starting any lessons involving U.S.-registered aircraft. This applies even if you’ve already entered the U.S. and received your I-20.

How long does TSA approval take?

On average, TSA approval for flight training takes between 7 to 21 business days, depending on how quickly you complete your fingerprinting and whether your documents are complete. Delays are common when forms are incomplete or mismatched with your passport or visa.

Can I start training before TSA approval is completed?

No. You are not allowed to begin flight training—even ground school—until your TSA approval for flight training is fully issued. Starting training before approval can put both the student and the school at risk of FAA violations.

What documents are required for TSA fingerprinting?

To complete the fingerprinting step of your TSA approval for flight training, you’ll need:

A valid passport
Your preliminary TSA confirmation email
A government-issued photo ID (in some cases)
Appointment confirmation from a TSA-approved fingerprinting provider

What happens if my TSA request is denied?

If your TSA approval for flight training is denied, you will be notified via email. You can contact TSA directly for clarification, correct any errors, and reapply. Denials are often linked to document mismatches, visa status issues, or background flags—not necessarily permanent disqualification.

Contact the Florida Flyers Flight Academy Team today at (904) 209-3510 to learn more about how to do the foreign pilot license conversion in 4 steps.