US: TSA Alien Flight Training Update

A new TSA interpretation of the 'flight training' requiring
security checks, photo identification et al is the
subject of TSA Document 337, dated January 5, 2005.
The new interpretation is addressed in some detail
at the AOPA website, without mention of the glider
exemption issued October 29, 2004.

TSA's Mike Derrick, listed in Document 337 as the contact
for further information, confirmed Friday that Document
337 is the latest in a series of interpretations of
the TSA Interim Final Rule ('IFR'). As Derrick phrases
it:

' The notice posted 1/5/05 in no way effects the previous
interpretation exempting airships, balloons, and gliders
from the IFR.'

In summary: airships, balloons and gliders remain exempted
from the TSA requirements for student security checks
and flight school/instructor security training. Flight
training in other aircaft categories is subject to
TSA rules as outlined most recently in TSA Document
337.

All related documents are available online at:

http://dms.dot.gov/search/searchFormSimple.cfm

(FOR THE DOCKET NUMBER, TYPE: 19147)

The glider exemption is Document Number TSA-2004-19147-324
The latest interpretation affecting other flight training
is Document Number TSA-2004-19147-337.

Judy