I train at FSI 2 times a year, am a green card holder and need TSA approval. I know for a FACT they require foreigners to be on Student or Crew visas at the training centers I visit.
Why would any one in their right mind not bother to get a student visa for a $20000.00 type rating, what type of idiot would even risk such a thing!
Also what type of REAL professional pilot would even contemplate risking getting the visa denied stamp, or entry denied stamp on their passport when our professional is aimed at ...guess what.... travelling! and guess what we need to travel.... a passport, and who is going to be stupid enough to present that passport to their employer with the denied stamp in it. Sorry Mercenary Pilot maybe you are this idiot! , all I can say is good luck!!
Unless Mercenary Pilot you work for a TRTO here in the USA and can post some factual information, DO NOT enter such trash onto this site.