Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

To determine the impact, if any, that the Aviation and Transportation Security Act has had on foreign student enrollment in U.S. fight training centers.

The purpose of this study is to determine the impact, if any, that the Aviation and Transportation Security Act has had on foreign student enrollment in U.S. fight training centers. The literature indicates that the terrorists' attack of 9/11 have had a serious impact on the commercial aviation industry. Since some of the terrorists learned how to fly at U.S. flight training centers, they came under intense scrutiny by the FBI and public opinion. The FAA grounded all VFR flight in the days following the terrorists' attack. To make matters worse, Congress passed the Aviation and Transportation Security Act that requires U.S. flight training centers to conduct a background check on all foreign flight students before they can begin flight training. Many are withdrawing and going to flight training centers in Canada or Europe where there is no background check. Therefore it is hypothesized that the Aviation and Transportation Security Act will have an impact on foreign student enrollment at U.S. flight training centers. A survey instrument in the form of a questionnaire will be distributed to obtain data from U.S. flight training centers to determine foreign student enrollment. Analysis of the data using appropriate statistical treatment will be conducted to test the research hypotheses.