M1 Student Visa and hour building
 

Is it possible to obtain an M1 student visa with a particular school in the US, register with the TSA at that particular school, but do some of the 'hour-building' portions of your training in aircraft other than those that belong to the school? For example if a friend owned their own plane.

I see no real reason why not, as you do not require a student visa to hour-build as you are technically not studying, and you do not require TSA approval, again, as you are not training for a new rating.

What do you think?

Thanks muches

You have answered your question yourself! There is no need for a visa or TSA to do hour building. Have fun!

If you have a JAR PPL you can hour build in the US under the visa waiver program. You are issued a restricted FAA licence based on your JAR licence valid for a maximum of 120 days. You must verify your licence which takes 90 days. After a Flight Review (BFR) you are permitted to exercise the privileges of your FAA PPL.

You could, if time is against you, sit the FAA PPL theory test and flight test and receive an unrestricted FAA PPL but this requires at least an M1 visa and would obviously cost more. Visa waiting times are listed on the government websites.

Hey Kwachon

does your previous post also apply to holders of a jar ppl(wishing to hour build)who have a 10 year USA tourist visa on a south african passport?

thanx
gb

Greekboy
 

As far as I am aware you should have no problem, you will have to get the FAA license though first. :}