Originally Posted by SFDOC
The regulations specifically address training for a certificate or rating. You can fly while you are in the US, but you would need to have either an M1 or F1 to apply for the rating.
Not true. Training may not commence without either the appropriate visa or TSA (if the training in question requires TSA).
A foreign student wanting to undertake training - can only log the flight as a scenic flight - not as training until such time as the visa/TSA is in place.
TSA will not issue the magic words "may commence training' until they are satisfied the visa etc is in place.
The flight school would be held responsible if they were to commence that training without ensuring that paperwork was in place. They are required to take copies of that paperwork and hold them on file in readiness for a subsequent audit.