General Aviation pilots are subjected to a variety of security screening and credentialing programs as appropriate for their level of aviation participation and their level of access to aviation resources. These screening and credentialing programs help ensure that no one with any ill intent is allowed access to training or aircraft that could be subverted for criminal acts.

These screening and credentialing programs include flight training background checks for U.S. and non-U.S. citizens; advanced screening of pilot databases; revocation of pilot licenses for people that pose a national security threat; restrictions on already licensed foreign pilots; and improved pilot credentials by way of high-security pilot licenses and government-issued photo IDs.