Any flight training that seeks a license or rating now requires a Visa. INS is being very specific on this. If the training is for any kind of certification a Visa is required.
Richard,
Would you cite this very specific regulation?
The rule you cite is not specific on flight training, licences or ratings at all. It explains that terrorists unilaterally changed their immigration status, then happened to enroll in flight schools, as the reason to plug the loophole - but to my reading nothing more.
Now you have categorically stated the above, you really need to cite the document that states you need a visa to obtain a licence or rating.
I agree with Mayday. You are in danger of being deported and banned for a long time if you enter the US using a visa that is not appropriate to your purpose of visit. Do you think these JAA schools are using their FAR 141 approval to obtain INS approval to issue I-20?
Cheers