International Students

If you’re a foreign pilot wanting to come to the U.S., the steps you’ll need to take to fly with us are below.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

1. Create a candidate account

   Log on to the TSA website at flightschoolcandidates.gov and choose “Create New Candidate Account” in the top right corner of the page.

2. Register and log in

   Once registered, you’ll receive an email from TSA with your username and password. Log in and begin filling in the required TSA information — the website has clear instructions for submitting the necessary paperwork.

3. Enter your training details

   Some of the fields you’ll need to complete:

   • State: Oregon
   • Provider Name: Jerry Trimble Helicopters
   • Course ID: 101 (Private), 201 (Commercial), 301 (Instrument), 401 (ATP)
   • Course Name / Description: Private, Commercial, Instrument, or ATP
   • Aircraft Type: Robinson R-22, Robinson R-44, Cessna 172, or Piper Aztec
   • Start–End dates: the dates you anticipate being at JTH
   • Request Category: Under 12,500 lbs — CAT III

4. Complete fingerprinting & clearance

   The TSA will email to verify the information, along with fingerprint instructions — keep these and bring a copy when you get fingerprinted. Before you arrive, we’ll schedule your fingerprinting appointment. Once final clearance comes through, you can begin training. This typically takes 4–5 days.

Foreign License Validation & Letter of Verification

General instructions and the foreign license verification form are on the FAA website: FAA foreign license verification.

In addition to the standard procedures, airmen from the United Kingdom, Australia, or Malaysia must contact their respective CAA to complete additional forms prior to providing the requested information to the Airmen Certification Branch (AFS-760).

1. Prepare your documents

   Send the following to the FAA:

   • Verification of Authenticity of Foreign License (PDF) — identify the FSDO where you intend to apply (PDX-FSDO NM-09). To receive the letter by email, add your email in block 4a; you may also list the JTH address (4050 SE Nimbus Loop, McMinnville, Oregon 97128), which speeds up the process.
   • Your foreign license
   • Your medical certificate

2. Submit to the FAA

   Documents can be sent three ways:

   • Mail: Federal Aviation Administration, Airmen Certification Branch, AFS-760, P.O. Box 25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125-0082
   • Fax (much faster): (405) 954-9922
   • Email: foreign-verification4@faa.gov

3. Receive your Letter of Verification

   The FAA confirms your license with your CAA and issues the letter of authenticity (typically 45–60 days later). Let Alison know once you have it, and we’ll make an appointment with the local FSDO to issue your U.S. Private based on your foreign license. When you arrive at JTH, bring your Letter of Verification — we’ll take you to meet with the FAA.

Note: The FAA does not accept digital signatures — the application must be signed in ink before scanning and transmission. If your application or documentation is received with missing or illegible information, you’ll be required to resend everything by mail.