The Flight Training Security Program (FTSP) Was Initially Called The Alien Flight Student Program

Recently, the TSA published updated regulations for the flight training industry, effective this July.

The Flight Training Security Program (FTSP), initially called the Alien Flight Student Program, was implemented by the TSA via an Interim Final Rule in 2004. Since that time, flight schools and flight instructors have been required to implement security awareness training, and non-U.S. citizens seeking flight instruction have been required to obtain special vetting and approval prior to initiating training.

The final regulations, published on May 1, 2024, respond to comments submitted on the IFR and make other updates to the FTSP. The new regulations take effect on July 30, 2024. Until that date, current requirements must be followed. 

The FTSP requirements apply to flight training providers, defined under the rule to include any pilot school, flight training center, air carrier flight training facility, or individual flight instructor certificated under 14 CFR part 61, as well as part 121 and 135 carriers providing in-house training. TSA also clarified when the rules apply to lessors of aircraft or simulators.

NATA has analyzed the documentation and determined that revised regulations are largely positive for the industry. Noteworthy changes include a move from an event-based Security Threat Assessment (STA) for flight students to a time-based approach, the provision of improved electronic record keeping options, and a shift from annual to biennial refresher training.

Going forward, flight training candidate STAs will last for five years – a significant change that will reduce costs and overall burdens imposed under the rule. Training candidates often have more than one training event over a 5-year period; the move will allow all training within that period to be accomplished without additional fees and permits, while also permitting expedited processing for some events.

To ease compliance, the TSA enhanced the web-based FTSP Portal’s capabilities to enable its use as an electronic record keeping system for flight instruction providers to meet their mandatory recording requirements.

In another positive change, the Agency replaced the current annual refresher training with a biennial requirement for all covered flight training provider employees.

As the FTSP rules apply to a wide range of aviation operations, any person or business engaged in flight training should review the regulations and begin preparations for the changes.

FMI: www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-05-01/pdf/2024-08800.pdf