Can I do flight training in the U.S. if I am not a citizen?

Does the FAA require U.S. citizenship?

No. A student pilot certificate needs you to be at least 16 and to read, speak, write, and understand English (14 CFR 61.83). The private pilot certificate asks for the same English (61.103). The citizenship check comes from TSA, under 49 CFR Part 1552. The full list for the certificate is on the private pilot requirements page.

What does TSA require before my first lesson?

A Determination of Eligibility. Under 49 CFR 1552.7(a), no instructor may give flight training to someone who is not a U.S. citizen or national until TSA has issued one. You apply on the FTSP Portal with your biographic and biometric information, identity documents, and the fee (1552.17, 1552.31). TSA runs a security threat assessment with an immigration check and an FBI fingerprint check.

• TSA "will process complete security threat assessment applications within 30 days".
• The determination lasts 5 years, or until your authorized stay ends, if that comes first (1552.31(d)).
• TSA sets the fee and posts it on the portal (1552.39).

U.S. citizens prove citizenship with documents instead. Both paths are on thecitizenship and TSA page.

What does the instructor do?

I report each training event to TSA through my FTSP provider account (1552.51). Training can start more than 30 days after TSA acknowledges that notice, or more than 5 business days after for expedited processing. When you arrive for the first lesson, I photograph you and upload the photo within 5 business days.

Do green card holders need TSA approval?

Yes. A lawful permanent resident is not a U.S. citizen or national, so the Determination of Eligibility applies. Permanent residents do get expedited processing, so training can start after 5 business days instead of 30 days (1552.51).

Can I train on a tourist visa?

Check with an immigration attorney before you apply. Under8 CFR 214.2(b)(7), a B-1 or B-2 visitor "violates the conditions of his or her B-1 or B-2 status if the alien enrolls in a course of study", and must get F-1 or M-1 status first. The section does not define a course of study, and whether your training is one is a legal question I do not answer.

TSA also checks your status. Under 1552.35(a), you must be lawfully in the United States and within your authorized stay.

Can you issue a Form I-20 for a student visa?

No. The Form I-20 for F and M students comes from a school certified bySEVP, ICE's Student and Exchange Visitor Program, which says its certification "allows schools to issue Forms I-20 to prospective F and M students". DZ Aviation is not SEVP-certified, so I cannot issue an I-20 or sponsor an F-1 or M-1 visa. I train students whose status already allows the training.

How do I start?

Book the free 30-minute consult, and we plan the training around your Determination of Eligibility and TSA's dates. How I teach the certificate is on theprivate pilot training page.