it is not the immigration who decides if you can enter in the USA for flying lessons or not, it is the TSA.
Schools tell you what they know, based on immigration laws and not on TSA laws.
School are restricted by the TSA and the TSA tries to overpower the Immigration.
Legally they can, under the US law, do whatever they want , they can deport you, put you in jail, or even use tortures...you have no right, no attorney, and you can not sue the DHS (Department of Homeland Security).
in my point of view, the TSA tries to not recognise some types of visa, (the tourist visa by exemple), and in this case they restrict "self sponsored" students to have access to simulators. (the terrorist of 9/11 were "self sponsored")
Be very prudent with what TRTO tell you. If you are found illegal in the USA or you try to lie to an immigration officer, you could be bared for the next 10-20 years.It would be better to have all documents with you at the port of entrance and explain your real attention.
Going to the USA under a commercial program is a different story. In this case the tourist visa or visa waiver is "accepted" by the TSA.it means you have to be hired and sent to the USA by an airline for a type rating.
(sorry for my mistakes)
Last edited by dartagnan; 29th Apr 2006 at 14:03.