TSA Requirements

All non-U.S. citizens receiving flight training toward a Private Pilot License, an Instrument Rating, or a Multiengine Rating in the U.S. must receive approval from the TSA prior to beginning flight lessons in an aircraft. This process must be started immediately, because it may take as long as 4 weeks to be completed.

Download the TSA Information Packet

This process consists of several steps:

• The student creates a login on the TSA website and applies for training. The following course numbers and aircraft types should be submitted, as appropriate to your training application:
• Private Pilot License: AVF 1001 (PA28-161)
• Instrument Rating: AVF 2001 (PA28-161)
• Multiengine Rating: AVF 4001 (PA44-180)
• Once the application is submitted, the Flight School Administrator will approve the request. TSA will email instructions to the student to pay a $130 TSA processing fee (payable by credit card only). Note that this fee goes to TSA, NOT to FIT.
• Once the TSA fee is paid, TSA will issue fingerprinting instructions. Fingerprinting will be done by the Melbourne Police after your arrival at FIT in Melbourne, FL. After your fingerprints are submitted, TSA will approve the student for training and notify both the student and FIT. This process takes approximately one week from the time fingerprints are submitted.

Note that no flight lessons can be started prior to receiving final TSA and FAA approvals, however ground and FTD training is allowed.