Originally Posted by
B2N2
Flight training for the initial issuance requires an M1 Visa too.
Visas are a whole seperate topic. It is best to contact the embassy before you go to get specific advice. An M1 visa is one option to get sponsored by an American flight school but F or J1/J2 visa can also be used. A B visa can be used if the training is recreational and incidental to the reason for the trip. A private pilot with an Australian license converting to an faa license and then renting an aircraft and traveling around for fun meets that criteria. The main thing is to check with the embassy before you go.