Flight Training Security Program (FTSP)

Previously known as Alien Flight School Program (AFSP)

Pilotsmith has a strict policy for the FTSP.  The only individuals authorized to approve an FTSP student are Charlie Smith or Trent VandenHeuvel.

According to TSA regulations, any non-citizen of the US must participate in the FTSP flight program if they are pursuing flight training for Private, Instrument or Multi-Engine.

Pilotsmith charges a $200 documentation compliance fee to help facilitate the process.  This fee is additional to all fees charged by the TSA and other organizations.  Use Kiosk Item Code 7001.

Eligibility:  You must be a green card holder, be on political asylum, or be on a H1 visa with extended stay privileges.  If you are on an F1 or M1 visa you must obtain permission from the issuing school.  Pilotsmith can sponsor individuals for an M1 Visa but there is an additional charge and more process involved.

Our documentation fee covers the following:

• Approving initial request from TSA for flight training at school.
• Copy of all associated documents as required by law (VISA, Passports, etc)
• Photo on first day of flight training.
• Submission of completion or cancellation of Flight Training.
• Retention for 5 years of all records
• TSA yearly Audit of foreign students

You only have 1 year from the time you begin flight training to complete the process or a new approval is required.  Our fee is required once for each course you request, such as private, instrument or multi-engine.

We require all our FTSP students to participate in our 141 flight training programs.

Instructors/Students:

You may NOT begin flight training until you have received WRITTEN (Email) permission from Charlie Smith or Trent VandenHeuvel certifying that TSA Approval has been granted to begin flight training.

You MAY perform ground training only until this approval is received.