“Curiouser and curioser”- but no nearer to a solution. The TSA check is needed BUT as to visa requirements, it’s still not making sense. As far as I can ascertain from both the INS or whatever it is now called, and training schools pilot training (a course thereof) requires an M1 visa F1 seems to be for academic training – degrees etc. M1 would appear to need full time training – minimum hours a week plus the need to leave the US on completion.
If, say, you wish to stay at a house you own on B2 for 4 months to avoid the winter and visit your mates and within this time do a few hours flying and take the written and practical tests what’s t the procedure to avoid rapid removal to Krome Av detention center (South Florida’s first port of call for miscreant foreigners)