Dreamflyer,
I am not sure but i am affraid that you are not eligible for a J-1 visa since you are not permitted to work on a ppl.
You need a least a cpl to be allowed to get paid for your flying according to the Federal Aviation Administration Regulations.
You might be able to get a M-1 student visa trough a flight school to train for a cpl or cfi but if they grant you a J-1 visa after graduation...I doubt it.
Things have changed considerably since 9-11-2001 as far as visa for aviators is concerned.
Later