Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
The following is a summary and interpretation of United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) flight training and citizenship requirements, as they apply to Oregon Flight Sim (OFS):
U.S. Citizens and Nationals. TSA requires U.S. citizens and Nationals seeking an initial FAA pilot certificate (recreational, sport, private), or previously certified pilots desiring to upgrade their skills with the addition of either an instrument rating or initial multi-engine rating to provide proof of U.S. citizenship prior to starting flight or simulator training (FFS, FTD, ATD). Only proof of citizenship is required, a TSA background check is not required. TSA allows several methods to determine proof of citizenship, the most common include: 1) a valid unexpired US passport (book or card), or 2) a US government photo identification (i.e., driver’s license, military ID) and an original birth certificate (raised seal). These documents need to be provided to OFS for review and photocopy prior to starting simulator training. OFS will provide a logbook endorsement showing compliance with TSA proof of citizenship. The following flight and simulator training is exempt from this TSA requirement: commercial pilot certificate (unless as an initial certificate), ATP, CFI, CFII, MEI, instrument recency of experience per CFR 61.57(c), instrument proficiency check per CFR 61.56(d), pilot proficiency training and aircraft systems training (TAA, complex aircraft, autopilot, GPS navigator, aeronautical decision making, emergency procedures, etc.). For pilots looking to obtain their instrument rating, or to complete an instrument proficiency check (IPC), OFS can provide supplemental instrument training, but OFS is not the primary provider for instrument training.
Non U.S. Citizens. Candidates must complete a TSA security threat assessment in accordance with the TSA Flight Training Security Program (FTSP) "prior" to conducting either flight or simulator training (FFS, FTD, ATD). This approval process must be completed by the candidate, not by the flight school or instructor. The process includes: creating an online account, completing the application, providing appropriate documentation, fingerprints and submitting a $130 processing fee. OFS is never the primary provider of flight training. However, candidates desiring to use OFS to "supplement" training received from their primary flight school will require a separate TSA approval specific to OFS.
Demonstration Flight. Pilots desiring to check out OFS as a potential training option are allowed to complete one “demonstration” simulator training session prior to complying with TSA requirements.
Definitions. For the purpose of meeting TSA requirements, simulator "ground training" as defined under FAA’s 14 CFR 61.1 is considered to be “flight training” as defined under TSA’s 49 CFR 1552.1. In addition, an Aviation Training Device (ATD) is considered to be an “aircraft simulator” as defined under TSA’s 49 CFR 1552.1.
References. Title 14 CFR 61; Title 49 CFR 1552; TSA web page: https://fts.tsa.dhs.gov.; TSA Letters, dated 5 Jan 2004 and 19 Oct 2004; TSA e-mail to OFS on 23 Aug 22.