Hi ekdrone,
I can only answer your question number 1.
Yes, you need to convert your FAA license for a CAAP license. Here's how to:
When you'll be back here, go to CAAP, bring:
- PPL License
- Medical
- English Language Proficiency (ELP)
- Flight Time certificate from your previous school or flight club.
- Endorsed logbook from your previous school or flight club.
You'll need to log 10 hours with an instructor on a Philippines registered plane and pass a check ride from a check pilot.
Your license will be then converted.
I advise you get the help from a flying school to get through the CAAP administration... It's not always easy but the school will do it for you since you'll need to fly 10 hours with them.
If you need a quotation for those 10 hours, just PM me.
Take care,