Q: I rented an airplane outside of the flight school. Is this considered a Homeland Security Violation and criminal act?

A: This is a complex situation involving immigration law, flight school policies, and potential Homeland Security regulations. Based on the information provided, it's unclear whether renting an airplane outside of the flight school would be considered a direct violation of Homeland Security regulations or a criminal act. However, it does appear to be a violation of the specific flight school's policies for students on visas.

Here are a few considerations and suggestions:

1. Review your flight school's policies and your signed contract carefully to understand the specific terms you agreed to regarding flying only school-owned aircraft as a student on a visa.

2. Contact the International Student Office or the Designated School Official (DSO) at your school for guidance on the potential consequences of violating the school's policy and any implications for your visa status.

3. Consult with an immigration attorney who specializes in student visas and can provide personalized advice based on the specifics of your case. They can help you understand the potential legal ramifications and your options moving forward.

4. Research the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) for any rules pertaining to flight training for foreign students. You can start with Title 49: Transportation, which includes regulations related to aviation.

5. Review the TSA's Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP) to understand the background check and training requirements for foreign students seeking flight training in the U.S.

While I couldn't find a specific regulation stating that renting an airplane outside of the flight school is a direct Homeland Security violation or criminal act, it's crucial to take your school's policies and warnings seriously. Violating the terms of your agreement with the school could potentially jeopardize your visa status and ability to continue flight training in the U.S.