There is no cost involved getting approval to do a FI course away from base. The section is only valid for FI training not CPL etc. And from what i have seen the punter dosn't get envolved anyway.
As for the costs of travel etc. whats the difference between you paying the travel costs and living away from home and putting the instructor up. Anything more than 2 people and your quids in.
There are a few self employed FI instructors about who will do these courses. ( I can give you a mobile number if required).
MJ