Aerial Photography Training: 3. The New Reality
March 25th, 2012 | 
Author: Change is Challenging…but it opens doors, uncovers opportunity and shows new directions. Our industry is undergoing massive change. These changes come from within and from without.
Let’s take a moment to review a few of these changes and challenges:
- Financial Markets have tightened credit spigots to the point where funding is only dripping through.
- General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) reported worldwide sales of general aviation aircraft fell 15.5 percent during the first six months of 2011.
- IFPress.com reports: Diamond Aircraft is bucking a global trend, with sales of its piston-powered aircraft climbing while the industry remains stalled. Just-released sales figures show the aircraft maker, beside London International Airport, increased sales in 2011 by 33% over the previous year.
- Pilotjobs.com says many Commercial Carriers are hiring Pilots
- According to the BBC: Boeing has reported a sharp rise in profits, thanks in part to stronger sales of commercial planes.
- Detroit reports pre-crash hiring and production numbers
So in a general sense it would appear the aviation manufacturing and the Commercial Carriers industry is rebounding. The stock markets worldwide hover near pre-crash levels. The Dow Jones Stock Index is currently at 13,000+ not far from its pre-crash record of 14,164.53. The Dow has climbed from the 2007 levels of roughly 6550 almost 6500 points.
It would be difficult to see all this news and make a bet against an Aviation Industry recovery. But there are still challenges that we must solve….read on!
So what does all this mean to you the Would Be Pilot? Are you in any of these categories?:
- A Pilot wishing to earn an advanced Certificate or Rating
- An Aviation Enthusiast wishing to earn a Pilots Certificate
- An Airplane Owner facing increase cost of flying
- A Pilot attempting to build enough hours for the Airline Jobs
- A Photographer looking for another Stream of Income
- An individual looking for an exciting career in Aviation
As we continue, we will discuss the opportunities created by this New Reality. If you are on this list, congratulations. There is good news!
Aerial Photography Training: 2. The World Is Changing
Poet/Musician Bob Dillon wrote “The Times They are a Changin” and there is no more truthful a line written. We have seen World Turmoil, Financial Disaster, Dictators Fall, Banking Failures and a long list of dire predictions from those who would sell Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt…FUD. The FUD merchants would suggest we bury our heads in the sand and give all hope.
Well nothing could be further from the truth. There is opportunity everywhere you turn. Turn over any rock and there is the promise of untold wealth and opportunity to the person with the courage of their convictions. So what does all this have to do with Aviation?
The answer is Everything!!
Rising fuel costs, skyrocketing airplane rental rates, people leaving the industry in droves… How can all this benefit any of us interested in a career in aviation or even those of us whose passion it is to merely fly for pleasure? Whether you fly for pleasure or profit, you are still facing the same challenges as any one else in the field of aviation. Let’s look for a moment at our industry:
Never in our history has the innovation, change and progress of improvement been more evident than today.
- Massive Research and Development into alternative fuels and Engines capable of utilizing these fuels…everything from Bio Based Fuels to completely synthetic fuels. There is even a fully functioning program that economically converts plastic back to Petroleum.
- Aviation Diesel engine production is proceeding at a wonderful rate.
- The explosion of Glass Panel cockpit systems has put this technology in reach of every aircraft and owner.
- Recent legislation in the US and other countries promises to introduce aviation to new and vast numbers of would be pilots.
- Human powered flight is a reality opening doors with ultra light materials for use in mainstream aircraft.
- Composite and Carbon Fiber technology has broken down barriers of weight and strength for aircraft efficiency, speed and cost.
Couple all these with some of the challenges out there in the world of of Aviation and the environment for innovation, success and advancement is ripe.
There are even bright spots in the difficulties in the Financial and Banking Industry as we will discuss.
For those with a little fortitude and backbone, there are remarkable opportunities available as we will begin to see in the next chapter.
Get you Seats and Tray Table in their Full and Locked Position…Fasten your Safety Belts and hang on as we prepare to launch.
Aerial Photography Training: 1. The Problem
Welcome to all of you who are aspiring pilots, existing pilots and all of you looking for adventure in the skies. If you are reading these words, you realize that Aviation is inherently expensive. The cost of aviation fuel for the piston powered aircraft has skyrocketed. Insurance is up along with maintenance, rental costs, taxes, instruction and even storage.
So here you are, a person who wants to fly and the cost of starting or merely continuing to fly is soaring. Many folks, at this point, walk away for the sport they love. Statistics indicate large numbers of student pilots leave their training before completing their primary flight instruction simply due to the high cost of Aviation. Perhaps you are a newly licensed pilot. You are considering an advanced ticket such as Commercial, Flight Instructor, Multi-engine or Instrument when you realize the investment for these is multiple thousands in expense no matter whether you count in Pounds, Euros, Dollars or Reais.
By one report, Aviation fuel in 1977 was under US$00.50…less than half a dollar. At this moment as of this writing, 1 gallon of 100LL Avgas is over US$6.00, a 1200% increase. The cost of instruction is up, aircraft rental as well.
The cost to complete a US based program of Flight Instruction for the Private Pilots Certificate is estimated today at between US$7500 to US$10,000 or more.
An Instrument program can add another US$10,000 to the bottom line.
Depending on the location, a Cessna 172, currently the favorite rental aircraft at most airports, will rent for US$130 to US$150 per hour…double that for a light twin engine aircraft.
In 1956, when the Cessna 172 was introduced the cost was US$8700. Today the cost has rocketed to over a Quarter of a Million Dollars US. This is a 30 times increase!
Many faced with the problem simply do not have the resources to shovel into the furnace to keep their Aviation fires burning. The fire finally flickers and eventually goes out due the high cost of Aviation. What a shame! But what if there was an answer? What if there was a way for pilot and non pilot…student or experienced pilot or anyone who is enthusiastic about Aviation to find a steady stream of cash to underwrite their Aviation dreams?
Well, The Times They are A-Changing as Poet/Musician Bob Dillons says. In our next section, we will see how.
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Tags: Aerial Photography Academy, Aerial Photography Training, Aviation, Aviation Jobs, David Rodwell | 
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Aerial Photography Training
Our launch approaches…
We just posted a recent Aerial Photography video. We are particularly happy with how this one turned out. It will be included in our upcoming Launch of our Aerial Photography Academy training program.
We will be giving specific instruction to individuals interested in Aerial Photography. You may be a Pilot, Student Pilot, Potential Student, Photographer or an Aviation Enthusiast. You may just be an Adventurer. Regardless of you current occupation or background, our course will have something to offer.
You need not be a Pilot to be an Aerial Photographer. You need not have had photography training. You just need a desire to enter the lucrative world of Aviation. This Aerial Photography Training series will cover all the basics for those with no experience all the way through to more advanced work.
For those seeking Aerial Photography Training to create a Full Time Aviation Career, we will offer separately our AIM program or Aerial Impact Marketing. This section will be designed to take you to the next level in your Aerial Photography business. We will show you the advanced methods that can lead you top a handsome income as a career Aerial Photographers. Many insider secrets will be revealed as we pull back the shroud that has hidden this very lucrative niche in the world of Aviation.
Finally for those of you who want to go for the Golden Ring, we will address the most challenging and most financially rewarding area of Aerial Photography and Aerial Photography Training: Air to Air Aerial Photography. You will learn the thrill of photographing aircraft from another aircraft. You see this exciting photography featured on every flight magazine out there and we will show you how. We will take you into the cockpit as we video an actually precision flying Air to Air shoot complete from the planning meeting to take off, shooting the photos to landing.
Watch closely as our launch is around the corner. With all the videos done we are waiting for the Internet Gurus to finish the Web Site that will showcase the videos and other training material.
Stay tuned, look up and smile.
David Rodwell
Aerial Photography Academy
Aerial Photography Training
We are posting a recent Aerial Photography video. We are particularly happy with how this one turned out. It will be included in our upcoming Launch of our Aerial Photography Academy training program.
We will be giving specific instruction to individuals interested in Aerial Photography. You may be a Pilot, Student Pilot, Potential Student, Photographer or an Aviation Enthusiast. You may just be an Adventurer. Regardless of you current occupation or background, our course will have something to offer.
You need not be a Pilot to be an Aerial Photographer. You need not have had photography training. You just need a desire to enter the lucrative world of Aviation. This Aerial Photography Training series will cover all the basics for those with no experience all the way through to more advanced work.
For those seeking Aerial Photography Training to create a Full Time Aviation Career, we will offer separately our AIM program or Aerial Impact Marketing. This section will be designed to take you to the next level in your Aerial Photography business. We will show you the advanced methods that can lead you top a handsome income as a career Aerial Photographers. Many insider secrets will be revealed as we pull back the shroud that has hidden this very lucrative niche in the world of Aviation.
Finally for those of you who want to go for the Golden Ring, we will address the most challenging and most financially rewarding area of Aerial Photography and Aerial Photography Training: Air to Air Aerial Photography. You will learn the thrill of photographing aircraft from another aircraft. You see this exciting photography featured on every flight magazine out there and we will show you how. We will take you into the cockpit as we video an actually precision flying Air to Air shoot complete from the planning meeting to take off, shooting the photos to landing.
Watch closely as our launch is around the corner. With all the videos done we are waiting for the Internet Gurus to finish the Web Site that will showcase the videos and other training material.
Stay tuned, look up and smile.
David Rodwell
Aerial Photography Academy
The Freedom of the Internet
I would like to add my name to the growing list of folks who are concerned about the Senate Bill 968 that is scheduled to be voted on next week in the Congress of the United States.
I have written a great deal about the leveling of the playing field affect of the Internet. It gives the little guy every advantage of the mega-corporations out there when it comes to Internet access and visability.
Small Internetreneurs have led the way in Internet development, commerce and education. Companies such as Google, Yahoo, Amazon, Wikipedia and a host of others were started by small poorly funded individuals who grew their companies based on the free access and level playing field the Internet offers.
I have read this bill in it’s entirety and there is the potential for abuse at the hands of some who might, in a desire to help, over reach.
I urge everyone who might be affected by the action, this Bill, to actually read and form your own opinion and then take action based on that opinion.
Be aware, informed and educated and then take action.
Aerial Photography Training: Remote Control Aerial Photography
This a very short article today. It is more of an announcement. Many of our students have explored the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to provide Commercial Aerial photographs to clients. The Federal Aviation Administration in the US has very strict rules about the size, weight and speed of these aircraft essentially making it nearly impossible to accomplish any meaningful Commercial Aerial Photography from a Radio Controlled Aircraft.
It appears that the use of Radio Controlled equipment is no longer a viable option.
David Rodwell
Aerial Photography Academy
AerialPhotographyAcademy.com/blog
Aerial Photography Training: Step 1
This is in response too those that have asked “What is step one if you want to get into Aerial Photography”.
It is very simple and easy. Here we go:
Step One:
Get the best camera you can get your hands on…beg, borrow or steal a camera if you don’t have one already. Schedule a time around mid day and contact the local air port where they rent planes. We say mid day since it’s the best overall lighting all things being equal.
Make sure they provide you with a high wing plane, typically a Cessna. Tell them you want to be able to open the window all the way. You will need to know how to do this.
Plan on a 30 minute flight…inexpensive. On this flight you are going to take some sample photos. You will want photos of individuals, businesses, factories or farms. This is not the time to take beautiful panorama shots of your community. These sample photos need to be representative of photos a client might actually request of their property.
Pick about 10 properties or more and fly ONE circle around the property and squeeze off as many shots as possible and then go to another attractive location.
When you return, you now have sample photos. Have them made into 8×10 prints and now you have something to show a potential client.
So there is step one….before business cards, before websites, before business licenses…before anything.
So get out there and get some samples.
David Rodwell
Aerial Photography Academy
Aerial Photography Training: Is Aerial Photography: The Perfect Aviation Job ?
I have just spent a few minutes visiting the Aerial Photography sites of a few exceptional artists. These are the folks that get paid $1000s per minute to photograph the New York skyline…all expenses paid. So I ask myself:
Is that what it takes to be successful?
Well the answer is a resounding N O !
With an inexpensive camera and a rental plane from the local airport, a rookie can be getting paid handsomely to take Aerial Photographs of Farms, Factories and Family Businesses.
People want to preserve their family history and these are all part of that history.
Another segment needs photos for business reasons…insurance, construction, government, planning. This list is endless. And the good news:
Almost no one is doing it. It’s been a closely guarded secret by a very savvy bunch of folks in Aviation. But we broke the code and we hear from these folks from time to time.
They aren’t happy but you might be. Read some of our posts, drop us a note and maybe you can be the next pilot, photographer or aviation enthusiast to discover the secret.
David Rodwell
Aerial Photography Academy
aerialphotographyacademy.com/blog
Is Success a Single Silver Bullet?
Many of us in Internet Marketing are continually looking for The Silver Bullet for Internet fame and success…read on because I am going to share a little known secret discovered back in 1937. I am going to once and for always, share the secret of the Silver Bullet.
There are several levels of Internet Entrepreneurs…or maybe better “Intertrepreneurs”:
CyberSlime
These are the ones looking for a quick Buck, Euro, Ruble or Yen.. It doesn’t matter, you can fill in the currency. They are everywhere… These are the folks who come into the sanctity of CyberCommerce and want to grab a quick piece of cash. They are unwilling to learn, absorb or train for their craft. They come full of adrenalin, money lust and greed and are devoid of anything else.
CyberSloths
These folks are the CyberCommerce Couch Potatoes. They are not greedy…they are frankly just lazy. If it takes any effort, it’s not for them. They nose around the edges of the CyberCathedrals but never come in to worship.
CyberSaints
Aha..these are the workers, the motivated…the chosen few who enter reverently, quietly and with respect for those who have come before. They listen and learn. They watch and absorb, process and produce. These wonderful individuals honor their teachers, benefactors and mentors. They are quick to share and to guide newcomers to the Temples of Trade.
One thing that has been know for centuries is this:
Success Leaves Clues! Those who have risen to the top always leave a trail of bread crumbs to guide the next generation but only to those who are willing to be quiet and listen…those who are willing to learn and study their craft and take the Success Clues and implement them, to take action.
Here are a few ideas for those who aspire to be CyberSaints, those who seek the incredible riches that await…
o Review, revisit and revere the history of your craft. Do all you can to know who came before and what they did. How did they succeed? How did they share their knowledge? Build your foundation with all that has come before.
o When the student is ready, the teacher will appear…do all you can to prepare for your teacher. When the Master appears, be ready. Learn all you can, study constantly and prepare yourself for the journey.
o Once you have found your teacher, treat them with reverence and respect…honor and humility. Listen, Learn and Integrate what you are offered.
o Learn with and attitude of thanksgiving for the gifts your teachers bestow. Walk with the Attitude of Gratitude.
o As you implement your plans, programs and preparations, do so with the best interests of the most sacred of those here in these Cathedrals of Commerce…our clients, customers and consumers…for it is they who will provide your success…or failure. When your needs and desires begin to outweigh theirs, your downfall will begin.
o Share what you have learned with others. Lend a helping hand whenever possible. Watch for newcomers and give guidance to a new generation when you can.
So the Silver Bullet of CyberSuccess… it’s out there for you if you listen!