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Share your thoughts about the registering process with the TSA.

first off i think its a major PIA, but I still do it.

Second, why should an FAA examiner even care about TSA endorsements? Isnt that why the TSA sends people around to flight schools to check on this stuff? Ive never had an examiner around here ask about a students TSA endorsements, its not in their realm of responsibility. Its between the instructor, the student, and the TSA.

Very informative though Jason on the method behind the madness, good work!

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Everyone must believe in something, I believe that I will go flying.

I am not a US citizen, and was initially a bit disappointed to hear that I need to go through a govt.-run process, and who knew if I would even get an OK.

But the perseverance of most immigrants to the US is under-rated. Long lines, lots of paper work, multi-year wait times are common for gaining entry, permanent residency and citizenship. Procedures in some of our home countries are not much better either!

I was mentally prepared to hear that it would take many months to get the approval from the TSA. I told myself that I would take the written exam during that time.

So it was a pleasant surprise when the flight school head told me it would take around a week, if my paperwork had nothing unusual. It took exactly 7 days (including the weekend) for me to get the final email from the Alien Flight School Program. In fact it could have been 4 days if I had known to fill out a field with "standard phraseology".

My advice is to go to a flight school who are familiar with this process. The school needs to confirm that you exist (via email) and the best way to speed up the process is to make sure there is nothing waiting on you (or the school). The fingerprinting cards should also be obtained from the school. Make it easy for the TSA!

The folks running this program are quick and responsive. They even pick up the phone, and can find your file quickly to help you out.

My only minor gripe is that I had already been through all this as part of my permanent residency application. The TSA/FBI/FAA was not getting any info it did not already have.

So don't be put off by this minor hurdle.

PVS

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KFDK