Flying as a Non-US Citizen
You do not have to be a US citizen to learn to fly in the US. There are a few extra steps. Here’s the general process.
The general process
- Register with the TSA Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP). Non-US citizens must be vetted by the TSA before starting flight training toward a private, instrument, or multi-engine rating. Create an account at flightschoolcandidates.gov, submit the application, pay the processing fee, and provide fingerprints. Your flight school must be an AFSP-registered provider.
- Get an FAA medical certificate. Schedule an exam with an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). A third-class medical covers private-pilot training.
- Apply for a student pilot certificate via the FAA IACRA system (usually done with your instructor).
- Check your visa / immigration status. Recreational flight training as a hobby may be possible on your existing status, but training as a primary activity can have visa implications (e.g., M-1). Talk to the MIT ISO first to confirm what your specific status allows.
- Begin training once your AFSP approval and paperwork are in place. The school will confirm your TSA clearance before your first lesson.
Helpful resources
- TSA Flight School Candidates (AFSP)
- MIT International Students Office
- FAA: becoming a pilot, including student certificate and medical basics
- Find an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner
- Ask members who have done it in the club Slack channel