I flew in the US last year, and I had no trouble getting the FAA PPL issued on the basis of my UK PPL. Like Bluebeard Iwas told that although I didn't need a visa, one was advisable. Again like Bluebeard, I decided to risk it and I had no trouble at all - but your mileage may vary.
Of course, the rules today are very different from the rules a year ago, and they're still changing. If the reports are true, all visitors to the US will need a Visa by the end of October 2004 - read
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/3378057.stm for a bit more detail.
Am I alone in thinking that the imposition of Visas by the US is actually a sign that the terrorists have won? The way I see it, the terrorists have succeeded in stealing something we value so much we almost take it for granted - they've stolen our freedom.
Sadly,
MD.