Newbie with complicated plan

[slrguy]

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????"

[slrguy]

This is an, ummmm, interesting board.

On the first page of this section, I did a rough count. 20 posts, 3,500 views, a grand total of 9 responses. Helpful crowd here.

[Wingtipvortex]

something out of a novel. That might be why no response.

To answer your first question, I know for sure two things;

1) There is an abundance of foreign pilot students in the US who want to fly in their country, and

2) There is such a thing as the International Civil Aviation Organization which is part of the United Nations, and their purpose is to "Develop standard principles and techniques of international air navigation and to promote development of civil aviation."

These two things tell me that civil aviation is more or less standardized worldwide and your CFI should be good to give you FAA-valid instructions toward your PPL. Ultimiately your CFI should know. However I imagine the ICAO has no control over the local political landscape so I cannot assure you that a coke farmer won't try to shoot you down thinking you are spraying his crop with CIA-stamped poison. I guess I am either making a joke or being serious depending on the truth of what I said.

As far as the plane is concerned maybe you should ask your CFI about this too since he would be more familiar with the geographic requirements of the region.

[slrguy]

Thanks for the input.

I was commenting more on general lack of responses than on any to my post. My deal's a little out of the norm, I guess.

The problem with my CFI helping about the planes down there is- he's in Colombia, I'll be in Bolivia.

Interesting you mentioned chemical dumpers. I've made contact with a guy in Bolivia who owns 6 ag planes, and a Barron. He's been great to provide local knowledge.

Thanks again!