US Immigration / Visas
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Join Date: Sep 2000
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US Immigration / Visas
It seems a lot of people seem to be getting quizzed at US immigration about why they don`t have a visa to go and do hour building. Any FTO in the US will tell you you do not need a visa to do hour building so what do you say to immigration to stop them sending you straight home???!! I had problems in the past because they didn`t seem to know the difference between training and hour building. Any advice on what your answer should be to " So what are you doing in the USA???"
seems a weird topic but a lot of people seem to be having problems with it.
seems a weird topic but a lot of people seem to be having problems with it.
Join Date: Jul 2004
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Dear Lewy Boy
Actually it's not a weird topic at all because many people do indeed encounter problems with US Immigration on arrival, particularly if it's anything to do with flying.
But to answer your question. If you are coming to the States just to rent aircraft and not to engage in a full time training course then no specific visa is required. You may enter under the Visa Waiver Program (a green arrival card) or if you have the B1 or B2 visa then you can enter for business or pleasure - whichever the category is and I can't remember which is which! Unfortunately most immigration officers will take a second look at you if it's anything to do with flying - that's just a legacy from 91/11 and there's nothing we can do to change that. They may refer you to what's called 'secondary inspection' for a few more questions or just ask you about your plans at the main counter, it just depends on how neurotic the officer is. But certainly show them your pilot license and give them some precise information about where you are going to fly and where you are going to stay. That should be enough to satisfy them about your intentions.
Actually it's not a weird topic at all because many people do indeed encounter problems with US Immigration on arrival, particularly if it's anything to do with flying.
But to answer your question. If you are coming to the States just to rent aircraft and not to engage in a full time training course then no specific visa is required. You may enter under the Visa Waiver Program (a green arrival card) or if you have the B1 or B2 visa then you can enter for business or pleasure - whichever the category is and I can't remember which is which! Unfortunately most immigration officers will take a second look at you if it's anything to do with flying - that's just a legacy from 91/11 and there's nothing we can do to change that. They may refer you to what's called 'secondary inspection' for a few more questions or just ask you about your plans at the main counter, it just depends on how neurotic the officer is. But certainly show them your pilot license and give them some precise information about where you are going to fly and where you are going to stay. That should be enough to satisfy them about your intentions.
Join Date: Feb 1999
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I wouldn't mention hour building. At LAX, I have just said I'm here for a holiday, and will do some travelling.
If you really are intent on spouting forth about your flying plans, have the mobile & home phone number of the school owner, or the CFI, and their main office number with you. (In case you land out of hours). There was a case of someone turning up and spending the night in the cells at LAX because the immigration people couln't contact the CFI/owners to verify his story. As soon as they contacted the owner, he was allowed to continue.
My policy has always been to be tight lipped, and look like a tourist.
If you really are intent on spouting forth about your flying plans, have the mobile & home phone number of the school owner, or the CFI, and their main office number with you. (In case you land out of hours). There was a case of someone turning up and spending the night in the cells at LAX because the immigration people couln't contact the CFI/owners to verify his story. As soon as they contacted the owner, he was allowed to continue.
My policy has always been to be tight lipped, and look like a tourist.
