Tony,
I just finished talking to Homeland Security and they stated:
"You can check on the INS Website that the last revision to the immigration rules was April, 2002."
The rules have not changed and you are required to be on a Visa for PPL Flight Training.
Could you please post any correspondence you have received from either Homeland Security, INS or the U.S. Department of State that says students are not required to be on an F-1/M-1/J-1 for PPL Flight Training.
Happy Flying,
Capt. Richard J. Gentil, Pres.
Naples Air Center, Inc.