Any violation if student is not TSA endorsed?
 

I'm a CFI at a Part 141 school with most of the students being international. The boss is getting sick of waiting around for TSA approval before these students can fly and he's considering flying them anyways. Any disciplinary action against me as the CFI (i.e. my certificates being revoked) for giving flight instruction to an international student without TSA approval?

I'd be really careful. The TSA has too much power, and from what I understand they have the power to revoke certs permanently. I don't know what they would do in this particular instance, but you're guilty until proven innocent when dealing with the TSA.

my neighbor is head of the TSA inspection team in NE FL... I can ask ;)

It probably wouldn't be an FAA violation - it's not a FAA reg. (Exceptions for where TSA determines that someone is a security threat - see FAR 61.18)

OTOH, there is that potential TSA $10,000 per violation civil penalty.

I spoke to the Chief Pilot where I fly, they have tons of international students. He said the process is tedious but a requirement, I would be very careful, in addition to the $10,000 fine per violation, you might get some jail time as well. Operator (CFI) and Owner of the school.

Do NOT do it. You will most likely be fined. We almost got a 15k ticket a few years back because of improper documentation on internationals. Be very careful. If it was me and my flight school I would refuse to fly them. The process takes a whopping couple weeks max.

If he's getting sick and tired of waiting around, I would suggest that he has the students start the application process earlier. When I was working at flight schools, I would insist on a copy of the TSA approval before flying with any foreign flight student. Be very careful dealing with flight schools that seem willing to cross the line. As a CFI, you are not immune.

I have gone through the TSA process for my Private, Instrument, and now Multi engine. I can say that the process is quite simple and takes 3-5 days at the most if you have all the documents ready to go. Like everyone suggested, have the TSA approval prior to getting in the airplane, the consequences can be anywhere from fines, jail time, student deportation, etc. It is an easy process if done correctly.

Thanks guys. I just wanted to make sure I had a leg to stand on should my boss pressure me into flying these guys without their TSA endorsements.