I already wrote that I am just in the process of getting the visa, so I am NOT willing to risk being the first one to be deported. But your answers go in the direction of all the stuff I already read. Lots of posts about what COULD happen. Suraci, the flightschool can train you without a visa. And if the student gets into trouble, that's not the flightschool's problem! The TSA check is not an issue, you can get it without a visa. I know several people who did all kinds of training (with TSA check) without a visa! And, just to serve my curiosity, I'd simply like to know what risk (i.e., not only what can happen, but also the probability of it) I buy myself out of with those €500+ that I will end up spending...