Maryland Three Program (MD-3)

The Maryland Three Program (MD-3) allows properly vetted private pilots to fly to, from or between the three general aviation airports closest to the National Capital Region. These airports are collectively known as the "Maryland Three" airports; they include College Park Airport (CGS), Potomac Airfield (VKX) and Hyde Executive Field (W32). These airports are within the Washington, D.C., Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) and the Washington, D.C., Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ.)

All pilots wishing to operate in or out of the Maryland Three airports must complete the process below:

1. Email a request for the PIN Issuance form to mdthree@tsa.dhs.gov or contact the Maryland Three Airport you would like to operate from.

2. Email the following documents to the MD-3 Program at mdthree@tsa.dhs.gov:

   • TSA Form 418 – Maryland Three PIN Application*
   • SFRA Training Certificate
   • FAA Airmen Certificate*
   • FAA Medical Certificate*
   • One form of government-issued picture identification; i.e., driver’s license*

   *The address on the TSA Form 418, FAA Airmen Certificate and FAA Medical Certificate should match the address on your government-issued picture identification.

   Most requests submitted Monday – Friday (between 7:30am and 4:00pm EST) should be responded to within 48 hours. If your information is submitted after 4:00pm EST on Friday or over the weekend, you should receive a response within 48 hours from 7:30am EST on Monday.

   It is imperative you choose which airport you want to use for purposes of accessing the FRZ. You will be able to use all three airports within the Maryland Three; however one must be selected as a "base."

   As a PIN applicant, you will receive an email from the MD-3 Program once the Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) vetting portion of the application has been completed. The email message will also be sent to the airport manager of your choice.

3. Enroll for a Criminal History Records Check (CHRC) and visit an authorized Fingerprint Technician to have your fingerprints collected. (Click here for the MD-3 Fingerprint Guide) Be sure to bring your Fingerprint Control Form, as issued during the enrollment process, and an acceptable form of government-issued photo identification with you. The Fingerprint Technician will take your fingerprints and complete the appropriate sections of the PIN Issuance form.
   
   Acceptable forms of government-issued photo I.D. include, but are not limited to:
   
   • Driver's license issued by a U.S. state
   • U.S. passport
   • U.S. military ID
     
     
4. After reviewing the security briefing material at the airport for which you are applying, complete the signature section of the PIN Issuance form and return it to the Airport Security Coordinator (ASC). The ASC must also complete the ASC signature section. You or the ASC must email the form to MDthree@tsa.dhs.gov.
   
   
5. The application will be processed once the form is completed and received by TSA. Please note that applications which are not complete, or do not contain the correct authorizing signatures, may be returned.
   
   
6. TSA is working with NATA Compliance Services (NATACS) to facilitate completion of MD-3 applicant background checks. Contact the NATACS help desk at +1.800.788.3210 between the hours of 7:00am - 10:00pm EST, Monday - Friday for more information.
   
   

Enroll for a Criminal History Records Check

All MD-3 applicants are required to pass a CHRC before being authorized to operate in or out of the Maryland Three airports. NATACS can help you comply with the MD-3 Program. The following link is a TSA guide on how to complete the fingerprinting process for the CHRC with NATACS.

• MD-3 Fingerprint Guide

Start the process by selecting the "Click Here To Get Started" button below. You will be asked to choose between being fingerprinted by either a NATACS Certified Fingerprint Technician or by a Law Enforcement Officer. If you choose to be fingerprinted by a NATACS Fingerprint Technician, you will need to select a specific technician from those listed in your area. You will then complete an online form providing demographic data necessary for the CHRC. You will then pay online upfront for the fingerprinting and CHRC using a credit card. Finally, you will be issued a Fingerprint Control Form, which you will need to present to the Fingerprinting Technician. You can print the form out from this website after enrolling and/or have the form sent to your email address.