Airfreddy asked:


After you solo or have completed the solo requirements, your instructor should move you ahead to the next phase of training even if you are not quite ready to solo. Like I have said before many flight schools and instructors will not move you forward until you have solo’ed.

I personally move everyone forwards since the goal is to get you licensed on a budget without loosing quality of flight training.

Here are the Post Solo Requirements for your Private Pilot License Training. Once again they start off general and get more specific.

(a) General. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, a student pilot must meet the requirements of this section before-

(i) Conducting a solo cross-country flight, or any flight greater than 25 nautical miles from the airport from where the flight originated.

(ii) Making a solo flight and landing at any location other than the airport of origination.

(2) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, a student pilot who seeks solo cross-country flight privileges must:

(i) Have received flight training from an instructor authorized to provide flight training on the maneuvers and procedures of this section that are appropriate to the make and model of aircraft for which solo cross-country privileges are sought;

(ii) Have demonstrated cross-country proficiency on the appropriate maneuvers and procedures of this section to an authorized instructor;
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(iii) Have satisfactorily accomplished the pre-solo flight maneuvers and procedures required by §61.87( The Pre Solo requirements ) of this part in the make and model of aircraft or similar make and model of aircraft for which solo cross-country privileges are sought; and

(iv) Comply with any limitations included in the authorized instructor’s endorsement that are required by paragraph (c) of this section.

This is once again a general requirement for Student Pilot Solo Cross Countries. Now I will dig into them a little more and you find the following.

(3) A student pilot who seeks solo cross-country flight privileges must have received ground and flight training from an authorized instructor on the cross-country maneuvers and procedures listed in this section that are appropriate to the aircraft to be flown.

There is a lot more in this regulation. But the important part for this discussion is what is required for you to be eligible for Solo Cross Countries: As you move down this regulation you find the following:

(e) Maneuvers and procedures for cross-country flight training in a single-engine airplane. A student pilot who is receiving training for cross-country flight in a single-engine airplane must receive and log flight training in the following maneuvers and procedures:

(1) Use of aeronautical charts for VFR navigation using pilotage and dead reckoning with the aid of a magnetic compass;

(2) Use of aircraft performance charts pertaining to cross-country flight;

(3) Procurement and analysis of aeronautical weather reports and

forecasts, including recognition of critical weather situations and estimating visibility while in flight;

(4) Emergency procedures;

(5) Traffic pattern procedures that include area departure, area arrival, entry into the traffic pattern, and approach;

(6) Procedures and operating practices for collision avoidance, wake turbulence precautions, and windshear avoidance;

(7) Recognition, avoidance, and operational restrictions of hazardous terrain features in the geographical area where the cross-country flight will be flown;

(8) Procedures for operating the instruments and equipment installed in the aircraft to be flown, including recognition and use of the proper operational procedures and indications;

(9) Use of radios for VFR navigation and two-way communications;

(10) Takeoff, approach, and landing procedures, including short-field, soft-field, and crosswind takeoffs, approaches, and landings;

(11) Climbs at best angle and best rate; and

(12) Control and maneuvering solely by reference to flight instruments, including straight and level flight, turns, descents, climbs, use of radio aids, and ATC directives.

Notice there are no hour requirements in this regulation. All of these areas need to be in your logbook but the hour requirements only come into play in the general requirements.

Hope to See You In the Sky

Airfreddy



KIETH
Feb
25
Tania Machowska asked:


Modelling scams, what to look out for?

Most people entering the world of modelling are young and impressionable and full of anticipation and excitement. Unfortunately there are many illegitimate agencies and tricksters who pray on this vulnerability and give modelling a bad name. If you’re interested in embarking on a career in modelling, keep your wits about you at all times and be on the lookout for any suspicious deals or offers. Here are some tips on how to spot the scams from the genuine modelling agencies and assignments so that you don’t end up out of pocket and disillusioned – or even worse, in personal danger.

Portfolio photographs

Some photographers offer portfolio packages for people aspiring to be models, often charging several hundred or even over a thousand pounds to shoot a series of photographs to make up a portfolio for agencies. This is a waste of money and the finished portfolio that you get won’t necessarily be what the agency is looking for. The photographer will usually shoot all the photographs of you in one sitting, so they’ll all have a similar look and feel with similar backdrops and of course you won’t have much of a chance to change your style of clothing or make-up. Several photographs that all look very similar are no use to an agency as they don’t give an impression of how versatile you can be. Instead, they’ll be looking for a variety of shots taken on different days by different photographers, all in different settings and with different styles. If you’re just starting out, you won’t be expected to produce a varied portfolio like this to an agency. A few inexpensive professional shots will be fine, and you can build up your portfolio as you gain experience. Don’t pay much more than £100-£140 for some professional test shots. It’s wise to employ a professional make-up and hair artist, though, but this needn’t be expensive – no more than £30 to £50.

Contracts – the small print

As with anything, never sign on the dotted line until you’ve read all the terms and conditions of the contract and fully understand them. And no matter how eager you are, don’t just glance over it on the spot – take it home so that you can read over it fully without feeling under pressure. No genuine agency will pressure you into signing there and then. Get someone else to read over it too, as they might spot things that you hadn’t noticed. If anything seems unclear to you or you have any questions, don’t be afraid to ask the agency. If they’re legitimate, they’ll willingly give you an open and honest explanation. Some key areas to look out for are clauses detailing fees and charges – are they reasonable? Also look out for clauses that tie you into the contract for a certain period – is this acceptable to you? Another potential grey area is what will happen to any images of you taken by the agency. Check that you will not be signing away any rights, otherwise you could end up seeing your image in places that you would never have consented to.

Even legitimate agencies may try to give you a contract that isn’t very favourable to you – remember they’re in it to make money – so be on your guard and fight your corner to get a good deal for yourself.
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Bogus modelling or casting agencies

Setting up a fake agency can be a real money-spinner for con artists who use flattery and glamour to prey on young and impressionable wannabe models. The ‘casting agencies’ tend to operate by hosting ‘casting sessions’ in hotels across the country, enticing people to pay an up-front fee to register with them and have photographs taken so that they can help them to find work with modelling agencies. They often offer a ‘money-back guarantee’ if they don’t manage to find you employment within a certain period. Sometimes they do find work with an agency, but the agency is just as bogus as they are and is usually run by the same people. Again, the agency asks for an up-front fee to join, so victims end up paying twice. It’s all a scam to run off with people’s fees and victims never hear from them again – and never get their money back.

A genuine modelling agency will never charge an up-front registration fee. You shouldn’t ever be charged anything until you’ve completed the first assignment they’ve arranged for you.

Model competitions

Good and reputable agencies don’t charge any entry fees for their competitions. If you come across a competition where an entry fee is required, even if they say it’s to cover the cost of photographs and administration, and even if they look slick and professional, steer clear – they’re just after your money.

Bear in mind that a model competition isn’t the same thing as a beauty pageant, which will normally – and quite legitimately – charge an entry fee to cover the costs of hosting the event.

Model training

Beware of agencies that insist upon you completing a day’s training run by themselves at your own cost in order to register and obtain work with them. No model can be trained in a day – it takes practice and experience – so any claims of turning you into a professional model in an instant are nonsense. Genuine agencies may offer to send you on training courses but they shouldn’t charge you up front. Any costs incurred will normally be charged to you after you have started earning with the agency.

Free photo shoots

Often advertised in the classified sections of newspapers and magazines, these scams offer free photo shoots for people aspiring to be models. However, as the old saying goes, there’s no such thing as a free lunch. These tricksters end up with a free set of photographs that they can use to unscrupulously sell to various publications, making a profit out of you which you don’t see a penny of. What makes it worse is that you have no control over how your photographs are used and you could find your picture in undesirable or inappropriate publications. This is especially the case where the advertised ‘free photo shoot’ is looking for potential glamour models. Worse still, you could end up putting yourself in danger as many of these shoots are conducted in hotel bedrooms or other private places. Never go anywhere without telling someone else first, and if possible take someone to accompany you. Don’t be bullied into doing anything you don’t want to do and if you smell a rat, get out as soon as possible. These criminals sometimes use the opportunity to cajole young, innocent victims into performing sexual favours for them or attempt to sexually assault them.



CARROLL
Sara Johnson asked:


The explosion of the plus size fashion industry and plus size modeling industry has the demand for photogenic, size 12-16 models exceeding the current supply. The following guide contains a few general tips to optimize your success in pursuing a career in the industry.

1. Professional photographs certainly aren’t required by any agency representing plus size models and shots taken by a friend or family member will suffice till a portfolio is created. Make sure your shots are current, and clean meaning with minimum makeup and natural hair. Include at least one full body shot and make your pictures tasteful. Save the boudoir shots for your honey!

2. A reputable agency will not require money upfront to represent you, however anyone with modeling aspirations must expect to incur some expenses. The creation of a portfolio will include photographer’s fee’s, possibly stylist, hair and makeup artist fee’s. Make sure you’re able to shoulder minimal expenses prior to electing to pursue a plus modeling career.

3. Please accept industry standards. 5′8″ is the general height requirement in plus and standard size modeling. This standard simply does not vary in high fashion genre’s! A few clients, such a Torrid elect to employ girls below 5′8″, however they truly are the minority. Clothing is made and preferred to hit the body at a certain point regardless of size. Designer’s create samples for 5′8″ plus women, thus there’s no demand for shorter models.
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4. The most effective model is healthy and fit, regardless of size. Crash dieting, yo-yo size changes and poor diet wreck havoc on your health/appearance and frustrate your clients. Consistency is essential in the fashion industry. Maintain your size, places an emphasis on fitness, muscle tone and health. You’re proud to be fit, healthy and well-fed, show off that glow you were hired for!

5. Be professional. Modeling is a professional industry, not a lifestyle or status club. You’re hired as a commodity and a professional one at that. Arrive to shoots on time, keep phone calls and text messages to a minimum and be willing to work hard. Standing on your feet in often uncomfortable poses for hours on end is hard work! Be prepared to be challenged when entering the industry; happy clients equal a successful model.

6. Avoid self-criticism. A client or design house has a specific look in mind to represent their company prior to your attending a go see. Recognize that often, you may not fit that product, or look. Not getting a gig is not a reflection of a personal defect, it simply means you’re best suited elsewhere. Be true to yourself, love yourself and your clients will love you!

7. Focus on fitness. Industry standards for a plus size model range from size 8 to 16, with agencies specializing in plus modeling seeking 12 to 16’s. Regardless of size, you will need to be fit and toned. Focus on cardiovascular fitness and core training to improve posture and body fat/muscle ratio. Pilates is a wonderful exercise for elongating muscles and promoting tone. Excessive weight-training can be counter productive, focus on flexibility, cardio and body-weight resistance training. When in doubt, consider employing the services of a personal trainer making sure to express losing excessive weight is not your goal.

With the explosion of the industry, the role of the plus size model is ever increasing and shifting. Remember to speak up. With the majority of American women wearing a size 12 or larger, expressing the need for diversity may be just the key to landing spots previously unseen in local runway shows and magazine editorials. Maintain a positive and enthusiastic attitude and success in plus size modeling will be yours!



WINSTON