Hi everyone!
First, let me say I'm not thin-skinned in the least- in other words, if I'm thinking like an idiot, don't be afraid to say so. You wouldn't be the first, I promise.
15 years ago, I started flight training in Miami, fulfilling a lifelong dream. I pretty quickly learned that I loved flying, but it isn't the consuming passion I thought it would be. I love the utilitarian aspects, though. Long drives lost their charm many years ago (I'm 52, btw) and commercial flying pisses me off. I got through about 12-14 hours, almost ready to solo, when Hurricane Andrew waved hello, and my construction business kept me WAY to busy to continue. Since then, nada, except a fair amount of flying with friends. The flight school I attended has since vanished, as have their records, AND my logbook.
I'm in the process of moving my business to Santa Cruz, Bolivia, where early next year I'll marry a Bolivian gal that is an agricultural engineer (is that even a profession in the US? She has a business consulting and selling to farm operations fertilizer, seed, various agrochemicals.) She travels a good deal, to remote farms (almost anywhere in Bolivia is remote, outside the cities, since their "highway" system leaves a lot to be desired. She drives, which always makes me a little nervous for her safety. More on this in a bit. My business will involve a fair amount of travel around South America, primarily Peru, Colombia, Brasil and Argentina.
I have a good friend who lives in Colombia, and flies for Aero Republica there, but in a past life he was for several years a CFI here in the States. He has a small airport as his neighbor, north of Bogota. His CFI ticket is current, and he's offered to train me. I can't imagine a better scenario for me to learn in, since I like the guy so much, and respect his judgement.
I'm thinking about buying some sort of single, ferry it to Colombia for flight instruction with my friend (yes- ferrying and instruction), then taking the plane to Bolivia to use there, again with him helping on the ferry. Possibly even my fiance' trains with me, at the same time. (I like to the idea of having two pilots on board!) Many of the farmers she deals with have small planes, and suitable landing strips either on the farm, or nearby, so she can stop driving so much, and we can both build hours. Later, maybe a twin, so I can do business trips. AFTER IFR ticket, obviously. I don't expect insurance, even if I could buy it, I'll self-insure, and pay cash for the plane.
Questions, now.
1. Any problem with a FAA CFI training me outside of American soil? I want an FAA ticket.
2. I know my dream twin, but singles are kind of an open question for me. The Bolivia parts of the flying will probably be limited to 2-300 NMs. I only know about 172's, and a 172 would do the job fine, I think. But I need options, bearing in mind I won't be in Miami, where mechanics are everywhere. The locals down there seem to be all over the place in what they fly (172, 210's, various Pipers, and Bonanzas), so apparently someone down there has a good shop, or else these farmers have huge clankers. I'll figure that out within a couple weeks, when I go back. Given these circumstances- what else should I be looking at for a starter single? My budget is about $75K, but flexible. I really expect this first plane to be a "starter" - maybe keep her a couple years.
3. I can't seem to make google tell me that an American PPL is good is Bolivia or not. Anyone know? I'm assuming it is, or that there is some reciprocity. I'll assume the same for later, that an FAA ticket will cover me for short trips in other countries, when I begin using a different plane for biz trips.
Input please? Even if it's "You idiot! What are you thinking????"
