FAA rentals & training concerns for foreign students

[Aerocadet]

Good day!

I would just like to ask the following:

1. If I could rent an aircraft in another flight school even though my M-1 visa is processed by the original flight school where I got my licenses (PPL and IR)? This is the time-building part for CPL. Is TSA approval enough? Then I would come back for the Comm-ASEL in my original flight school.

2. If I do a 4-month off in training after doing PPL and IR would I be required to show proficiency before time-building to CPL?

Thanks a lot!

[sapperkenno]

The M-1 visa is for training, and is specific to the flight school you're doing the training at. Training would be regarded as any flight training towards a certificate/qualification, but purely renting an airplane does not require a visa, and this is why many people doing only time-building here in the states do so on a visa waiver, or tourist visa. There may be "gray areas" regarding certain endorsements; ie, tailwheel, complex etc as some training would be required in order to get signed off... but this doesn't necessarily come under the same category as training for a certificate, so this also should be allowed, and I've seen it done so I'm guessing it's "kosher".

So if you went to another flight school, did a rental checkout etc, then rented their airplane, it wouldn't be classed as flight training towards a certificate and should be allowed regardless of whether you have an M-1 visa or not. So yes, you can rent elsewhere as a private pilot (with instrument) and just be subject to that flightschool's rental requirements.

If I remember, TSA clearance is only required for Instrument Training, Multi-Engine, and/or training in airplanes weighing more than 12,500lbs. I believe that this is also school specific, ie you're cleared to do the Instrument/Multi at one flight school, so couldn't go do it at another school when you're current school authorized it and you have the relevant clearance.

As far as proficiency, take a look at the regs... It's there for all to see, and you should really know (or be able to find) the answer to your second question. (90 day rule to carry passengers, with 3 full-stop tkoff/ldgs & instrument currency for IFR) Most flight schools would require a check out, or may have their own limits imposed, such as 60 days (21 days for tailwheel etc) for currency to rent their airplanes. Question "2" purely depends on the school, it's up to them as it's their airplanes... ask them

[Aerocadet]

Thank you very much!

[batman123]

about TSA security?, You can also buy guns at walmart in 5 minutes.Sorry 10 minutes, just show an ID.Any ID!

It takes less time to get guns and kill people than going through a TSA clearance.


in US they will probably tell you that's allright,because it is in the US Constitution(2nd amendment), but flying a plane is not!

The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.

[GBB]

batman,
I think he wasnt asking about walmart and guns, so what are this comments for?
Beside, I wouldnt comment on other countries, their rules and policies if I my self lived in a country like Qatar... Look around you!

Aerocadet,
You can go and rent AC in any other school.
The problem you might face could be the owner of your school as you are on "his" M-1 but spending money for your training in other school.
Most of the schools would like their students to leave the country once their training is done, unless they remain with them as instructor. (remember, they are still responsible for you and if anything happen people will be going back to them)

[sapperkenno]

You can also buy guns at walmart in 5 minutes.Sorry 10 minutes, just show an ID.Any ID!

It takes less time to get guns and kill people than going through a TSA clearance.

Not here in Arizona, and I think most of the other states have similar rules. You must be a legal permanent resident (green card holder), or US citizen to buy a firearm. I know, because I'm neither of these, and I tried. If someone is here on a student visa (which is the subject we're dealing with) the above is true, so any ID or not, you aint getting a shooter. The best I could do was get a nice high-powered air rifle for when I go camping. There are parts of downtown Phoenix you could probably get a gun illegally on the black (or latino/hispanic - sorry, had to say it!) market, but the statement about Wal-Mart seems like something you concocted.

Most of the schools would like their stundets {sic} to live {sic} the country once their training is done, unless they remain with them as instructor. (remember, they are still responsible for you and if anything happen people will be going back to them)

Indeed, students are expected (and legally required) to leave the country on completion of their studies on the M-1 visa. They must be out within 30 days of finishing their training. If not, the student will be "out of status" (illegal), and there may also be serious repercussions for the flight school as they also have some responsibility to ensure students don't do anything untoward.

unless they remain with them as instructor

This is not allowed on the M-1 visa, but is on a J-1. The only option to remain with them as an instructor on an M-1 visa, would be if you were eligible for OPT (Optional Practical Training) which would be unpaid and not really worth the hassle, as it's a pain in the ass to set up, and you are only allowed something like 1 month of "work", for every 3 months of your completed study.

Hope this helps, and if I am incorrect in any way, shape or form, please feel free to correct me. Thanks.

[B2N2]

So if you went to another flight school, did a rental checkout etc, then rented their airplane, it wouldn't be classed as flight training towards a certificate and should be allowed regardless of whether you have an M-1 visa or not. So yes, you can rent elsewhere as a private pilot (with instrument) and just be subject to that flightschool's rental requirements.

Uh..not so fast..slow down a moment.
If you are enrolled in a course of training such as a Commercial training course then the time building may very well be part of this training towards a certificate or rating.
Something you will need to discuss with the school in question and whether they will allow it or not.
Some schools have been quick with canceling visas.

[Aerocadet]

Additional..

@B2N2:

I understand. I do need to discuss it with the flight school where I originally started my training before doing any time building.

Thanks!

By the way, does the school I have to attend needs to be SEVIS-approved? Is that important? In some schools that I have applied have said that they can issue I-20 forms but I don't see them in the SEVP list.

Thanks.

[airrider81]

That's a very good question aerocadet. Did you get an answer to it? About the SEVIS bit?

Thanks.

[MartinCh]

as B2N2 stated, some (if not most, naturally) schools would be peeved off. They sort the visa for you (albeit having charged you for the pleasure of typing up one page..) and expect you to create them a business.

if a school in the US claiming to provide I-20 forms for M1 or F1 visa or DS-2019 for J1, is not included in SEVP/SEVIS, it smells fishy.
I once had a look at the list and some schools may use bit different company name, not looking like the 'school brand' name. It should be mentioned on the list, though.

There has been some movement regarding new approvals for M1 visas, so check the latest list..

[redout]

Dont forget that you will need your Jaa license to be verified or what not by the Faa before you can fly.