Self fly hire in the US

"S Green" wrote in message ...
"Nigel" wrote in message
...
I am from the UK and I'm visiting the US for my summer vacation this year
and plan to do some flying from a flying school in Naples Florida. I have
a
UK and US license and all I want is a bi-annual/check ride and then rent a
plane for a couple of trips around the general area, maybe even venture
down
to Key West as I have done before..

Do I need to obtain a US visa for this?

Nigel

If you have a private pilots license and you merely wish to build up flight
hours, you will require a B-2 visa. While you may be eligible to travel
visa free under the Visa Waiver Program, if otherwise qualified, since the
introduction of the Applicability of Aviation and Transportation Security
Act, we would recommend that you apply for a B-2 visa.
When applying for the B-2 visa and entry into the U.S. you will be required
to furnish a letter from the flight school stating the type of aircraft you
will be flying.

Detailed information on visa application procedures and advice on how to
schedule an interview at the Embassy is available from our website at
www.usembassy.org.uk



I am not an expert on this subject, but this sounds quite ridiculous.
His primary reason for visiting the U.S. is vacation, not flying.
Renting an airplane is incidental to his travel, just like renting a
car, or a bicycle. Why does that require a special visa? Does a
regular tourist visa prohibit one from renting or purchasing an
aircraft?