Still Vetting Foreign Pilots? TSA Says Yes in 2026
Published Date: 9/4/2026
Notice
Summary
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) invites public comment on one currently approved Information Collection Request (ICR), Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number 1652-0021, abstracted below, that we will submit to OMB for an extension, in compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). The ICR describes the nature of the information collection and its expected burden. The collection supports security threat assessments for aliens (candidates) seeking flight training from FAA-certified providers, ensuring they do not pose a threat to aviation or national security. Flight training providers must also conduct and maintain records of security awareness training for their employees.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
STA Application Fee for Candidates
You must pay a TSA application fee of $140 for an STA, or a reduced fee of $125 if you already hold a comparable STA from another DHS or TSA program. TSA estimates the annual fee burden totals $2,527,490 (17,641 standard applicants × $140 + 462 reduced applicants × $125).
Flight School Training, Recordkeeping, Reporting Duties
If you operate a flight training provider, you must give security awareness training to certain employees within 60 days of hire and biennially, keep training records during employment and for at least 1 year after employment ends, notify TSA of candidates' proposed and actual training events, and provide and update security coordinator contact information. TSA estimates 18,601 providers are affected and a combined annual hour burden of 16,508 hours for all respondent activities (applications, notifications, recordkeeping, designations, and updates).
Security Checks Required for Flight Students
If you are an alien seeking flight instruction from an FAA‑certified provider, you must undergo a TSA security threat assessment (STA) that collects biographic information and fingerprints under 49 CFR part 1552. TSA uses that information to determine whether you may receive flight training.
STA Validity Period Up To Five Years
Each STA application may be valid for up to 5 years, so you may not need to reapply every year if your STA remains valid for that period. This reduces how often an applicant must submit a new STA application.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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