The Short Answer
FAA certification rules permit qualified instructors and training organizations to provide lawful training. Part 61 training does not have to be delivered through a Part 141 school.
An FAA-certificated pilot school provides training through FAA-approved course curricula and school oversight.
SEVP certification determines whether a school can enroll the relevant F-1 or M-1 nonimmigrant students and issue the applicable Form I-20.
FTSP is security vetting for covered candidates and flight-training events. It does not issue visas, I-20s or FAA certificates.
FAA, SEVP and FTSP do not replace one another. A school may satisfy one requirement without satisfying every requirement that applies to a particular international student.
Part 61 Does Not Mean Unapproved or Illegal Training
Part 61 contains certification and training rules for pilots and instructors. Training may be provided by an appropriately authorized instructor or organization without the course being operated under a Part 141 school certificate. Quality, scheduling and student support still need independent verification.
Part 141 is a different regulatory structure: the FAA certificates the school and approves its course curricula. It can be valuable for structured programs, but it is not a universal legal requirement for all flight training.
What SEVP and Form I-20 Control
SEVP oversees schools that enroll F and M nonimmigrant students. The DHS School Search identifies SEVP-certified schools and programs. A school's FAA status alone does not prove that a specific campus and training program can issue the Form I-20 needed for a student's intended status.
Ask the school to confirm in writing which legal entity and campus will issue the I-20, which program is listed, and whether the training schedule and start date match the student documentation. This page does not provide immigration advice.
What TSA FTSP Controls
The Flight Training Security Program addresses security-risk assessment for covered flight-training candidates. Applicability depends on the candidate and training. FTSP approval does not establish immigration status or ATP, CPL or PPL eligibility.
Ask who initiates the training request, which course and aircraft category are covered, what identity documents are needed, and whether the planned training can start before the required determination is complete.
Questions to Confirm Before Paying
- Will the course operate under Part 61 or an approved Part 141 curriculum?
- Which legal school entity and physical location provide the training?
- Can that specific school and program issue the I-20 you need?
- Is the intended status F-1 or M-1, and who should confirm that determination?
- Does TSA FTSP apply to your training, and who manages the request?
- What happens to the deposit if student documentation or security vetting is delayed?
- Are aircraft, instructors and checkride scheduling available for the stated timeline?
Continue with the U.S. flight training guide for international students and the full Part 61 vs Part 141 comparison.
Official Sources
Last verified: August 28, 2026.