Originally Posted by
elena
As for the JAA, I don't even think of it, it is financially out of reach, so my plan is to stay for a year in the states to get from PPLfixed wing to CFI heli, then if possible and me being good enough, to work as an instructor at the same school for another 12 months.
The magic words - "Work as an instructor". For this an M-1 visa will not work and unless you have other ways of working in the US (e.g. relatives). If not, then you'll need to get a J-1 Visa.
That is something you must investigate now since once you've done some training you may find that you will no longer be eligible for the J-1 and you'll have an FAA with minimum hours but no way of working with it in the USA.
Bon Chance!
BG.