Aviation and Transportation Security Act

The Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA) requires students registered for Flight (FACR) courses to show acceptable documentation of U.S. citizenship OR to complete background check requirements.

Students enrolled in an FACR course must present ONE of the following to the Flight Data and Certification Department, Flight Operations building, room 207 (Daytona Beach) or Eagle Main, building F6 (Prescott):

  • A valid, unexpired U.S. passport (if the passport expires during training, a current proof of valid citizenship is required)
  • An original birth certificate with raised seal documenting birth in the United States or one of its territories
  • An original U.S. naturalization certificate with raised seal, Form N-550 or Form N-570
  • An original certification of birth abroad, Form FS-545 or Form DS-1350
    -OR-
    An original certificate of U.S. citizenship, Form N-560 or Form N-561

If using other than a valid passport, a valid driver's license with a photo or a government-issued photo ID will also be required. Photocopies of the above are not acceptable, even certified copies. This process needs to be completed only one time for the entire curriculum at Embry-Riddle for U.S. Citizens.

Those unable to complete the above requirements, including international and permanent resident alien students, will be able to register for FACR courses but must comply with U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) notification requirements for each course taken. Before receiving any flight training, they must provide DHS, through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), a set of fingerprints, a photo, and a processing fee, and must register online. Upon receipt of authorization received directly from the TSA, the student can register and begin training. Once the student is registered and has received authorization from the TSA, the student may begin training. Some advanced flight courses may require a waiting period of up to 30 days. If Embry-Riddle receives any directive from the DHS or TSA, the student may be administratively withdrawn as appropriate to the DHS or TSA directive. This information and fee, but not the fingerprints, must be sent periodically during flight training and will be coordinated through Embry-Riddle’s Flight Department. Please contact the Aeronautical Science Department for more information.