The J1 visa is technically a cultural exchange visa, for au pairs and camp counsellors. However, there are agencies in Australia that will get you the Visa and let you find your own employment. If you are looking to get flight training in the US, simply get a M1 or a F1 Visa. An M1 only allows you to study and is issued for vocational schools, and an F1 is for recognized academic programs. Some flight schools and all flight universities offer a degree, qualifying for the F1 Visa. The benefit of the F1 Visa is that you can engage in up to 1 year of "Optional Practical Training", basically allowing you to work for anyone in a field related to your study in the US. There is no mandatory 2 year return back to Australia after the OPT, unlike the J1. Also, the F1 is accessible to everyone, while the J1 is limited to Aus. & NZ citizens.