I did my type rating self sponsored at Flight Training International in Denver, CO. They also told me that as being a member of a wavier country I did not need a visa, however they kept me up to date as the rules are constantly changing.
Like I said in my previous post, Flight Safety told me flat out that if I was not going accross on an aircrew visa I could not train at their facility in the US. However, if I was to do the same course in Toronto I could. The Canadian requirements are slightly different, and said that I could hop on a plane yesterday and to my type with no probs at all.
All in all the way I did it worked for me, superb staff, good sim and saved 8000us rather than bothering with flight safety. A mate of mine also on a British passport did a CE-550 type in Orlando Simcom, and as far as I am aware, he attended his course along the same lines as myself. I think the biggest thing the US is bothered about is the TSA clearance. At the end of the day they are the absolute authority to whether or not you can train, and if they clear you its all good. If an FTO cannot offer you a visa like in my circumstances, bring all the goods with you like you would when showing up for a visa interview. Ie bank statements, TSA approval, accomodation, enrollment letter etc..etc so that if you get questionned on arrival, you have the evidence to back you up that you are a legit student.
Again, this info is just from personal experience, so check it all out yourself before making any decisions.
Cheers
DB
