If you would like to take an introductory flight or a demo lesson to see if you like flying, we can offer this without starting the TSA process. Call us on (408) 320-9614 to book your discovery flight lesson and get behind the controls of an airplane!

If you are not a US citizen, you will need to go through the TSA’s Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP) background check to begin flight training for Sport, Private, Instrument, or instructor certificates.

Ground training or training for other courses/certificates (Commercial Pilot, ATP, tailwheel, aerobatics, flight review, IPC, etc.) do not require TSA approval.

To begin the approval process, please follow these steps:

1. Start an account on the TSA Alien Flight Student Program Web Site. You will need to create an account and the TSA will email you the user name and password. You can do this under the Candidate Portal button under Registration.

2. Log in on the Flight School Candidates Website, fill in and submit an application. You will need to fill out personal information as well as information on your Passport. You will create your userID after this. Make sure you use a valid email address as your account data and FTSP communications will go to it!   

3. Review Application and Submit.

4. We will receive a notification that you have applied and confirm your application. The TSA will then send you a note to pay the fee.

5. After you have paid the fee, wait for email confirmation from TSA which includes your AFSP Training Request number and instructions for fingerprinting. The email should include fingerprinting locations and instructions. Do NOT start the fingerprint process before receiving instructions and do NOT go to a location outside of this list as TSA may reject the fingerprints. Call to schedule your appointment at a designated fingerprinting location.

6. Go to the office at the appointed time.

IMPORTANT: Have with you:
– A printed copy of TSA confirmation email;
– Your passport (if a non-resident alien), resident alien card, or U.S. driver’s license (if resident alien);
– If required by the fingerprint collection location, the candidate must also bring fingerprints cards (2 are required) and a pre-paid shipping envelope (traceable means only, such as FedEx, UPS Next Day, etc.)
– Payment.

7. The agent will submit your fingerprints to the TSA. A candidate may NEVER BE IN POSSESSION OF HIS/HER FINGERPRINT CARDS AFTER BEING FINGERPRINTED.

8. When TSA receives your fingerprints, the AFSP will provide an email notification to you. There will be an option to select a Flight Training Provider once you are approved. You can find us under “Aerodynamic Aviation (formerly Amelia Reid).” If you do not select this exact provider name, we will not receive a notification for you. If you select the wrong one, you can always go back and select us.

9. We will receive an email that you've selected us as your training provider. We will have to approve or deny your request once you select us.

10. Once approved, we will create a training event that lasts up to 180 calendar days for you. Then before your first flight we'll need to take a picture of you to provide to the TSA. 

11. You'll be able to train on this training event for the 180 days and we can extend it as needed. The TSA Approvals are good for up to 5 years and can be used for private, instrument, and multi-engine (upon creation of training events for each type of training). If your documentation renews in the middle of these 5 year windows, you will need to update your documents with TSA to maintain your approval.

If there are questions about your status with TSA or your approval, you can reach them at their help desk at: FTSP.Help@tsa.dhs.gov

You can take lessons to improve your flying, add a tailwheel endorsement, try acrobatics, or even earn your Commercial Pilot certificate. However, if you wish to add an Instrument Rating, Multi-engine Rating, or other certificates then you will need to go through the TSA process.

You can get a US Private Pilot Certificate based on your ICAO certificate.

You will need to apply three months in advance. The Airmen Certification Branch, AFS-760 must have the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) verify the validity and currency of the foreign license and medical certificate or endorsement before you apply for an FAA certificate or authorization. 

The processing of the Verification of Authenticity of Foreign License, Rating, and Medical Certification form takes approximately 45 to 90 days to complete. 

NOTE: Do not schedule any travel and/or checkrides, etc until a valid Verification Letter has been obtained from AFS-760. For details see the FAA Web Page for converting a pilot license. After you receive your approval letter, make an appointment with the local Flight Safety District Office in San Jose.