If you have the funds for a long term stay and training costs, there may be another way for you to get into the USA or Canada - as an Investor Immigrant.
Don't ask me for the fine print such as visa numbers etc. but basically, what this involves is going in with a financial plan for a small business which - and this is crucial - creates employment for a few local citizens in the country of your choice. Setting up a small aviation services business might possibly do the trick.
Also, Canada is a lot easier and can be a back door to working in the US under the Free Trade Agreement between these two countries (and Mexico).
[This message has been edited by helidrvr (edited 21 October 2000).]