Pilot Screening & Credentialing Programs

General Aviation pilots are subjected to a variety of security screening programs appropriate for their level of aviation participation and their level of access to aviation resources. These screening programs help keep potential terrorists from gaining access to training or aircraft that could be subverted for criminal acts.

Flight Training Background Checks

The Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires a security threat assessment for non-U.S. citizens seeking flight training at U.S. flight schools, regardless of the type and size of the aircraft involved. This process is extraordinary, if not unique, within the entire transportation spectrum. The Alien Flight Training Program is designed to prevent terrorists from receiving pilot training from U.S. flight schools. As a prerequisite to flight training, non-U.S. citizens must provide the TSA with a complete set of fingerprints taken in the United States; biographical information, including full name, passport and visa information; and training specifics such as the type of aircraft the candidate seeks instruction to operate. Flight schools are subsequently required to submit a student’s photograph to the TSA to ensure that the student reporting for flight training is in fact the same individual who successfully completed a TSA security threat assessment.

U.S. citizens seeking flight training at U.S. flight schools, regardless of the type and size of the aircraft involved, must supply either a valid birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID, or a current U.S. passport before they can begin certain types of flight training.

Advanced Screening Of Pilot Databases

Based upon the Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration information as well as that provided by other security agencies, information in the Federal Aviation Administration’s databases of current pilots and student pilots is reviewed for links to known or potential terrorists.

Revocation Of Pilot Licenses

The U.S. government has acted to deny pilot licenses (officially called “certificates”) to possible terrorists. If the Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration determines that a pilot poses a national security threat, it can direct the Federal Aviation Administration to revoke that pilot’s license.

Improved Pilot Credentials

The Federal Aviation Administration has been working to improve the security characteristics of pilots’ licenses, more accurately referred to as pilot certificates.

High-Security Pilot License
In July of 2003, the Federal Aviation Administration began issuing new, security-enhanced pilot licenses to the nation’s approximately 600,000 active pilots. The credit card-size licenses incorporate new security features, such as a hologram of the FAA seal. The new license is issued to all new and existing pilots as they achieve higher levels or additional ratings, or if the pilot requests it. It is also used to replace paper licenses that have been lost or damaged.

A federal law enacted at the start of 2005 requires pilot licenses to include a photograph of the license holder and to have the ability to incorporate biometric information.

Government-Issued Photo ID
Pilots are required to carry government-issued photo identification when exercising the privileges of a pilot license. Additionally, pilots are required to present photo identification when requested by the FAA, an authorized representative of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) or Transportation Security Administration (TSA), or a law enforcement officer.