There is a saying in this industry – the more you can provide, the better off you are. Well this week I met someone who has taken that saying to new heights. And when I say new heights, I’m talking about 500 feet or more into the air. After all, she has to – Maria Langer is a helicopter pilot. But not just any helicopter pilot. She is one who has also written and published over 70 technical and program how-to books that have been translated world wide. One who also has written hundreds of blog articles for herself and others. One who is an amateur photographer and getting pretty good at it. One who has opened her own helicopter company that not only gives tours but also helps other photographers capture their own amazing shots. And if that wasn’t enough, she is now beginning to produce tourism videos for her clientele. Maria not only figuratively goes above and beyond, but she also does it literally.

Quote Maria: "I do a lot of flying with photographers and video folks on board. A lot of it is “fine art” photography in places like Lake Powell and Canyonlands National Park. There’s also some commercial photography — bridges, highways, buildings, etc. And lots of “action” photography and video of racing boats and off-road trucks. I absolutely love this kind of work — especially the high-speed chase stuff. It gives me an opportunity to get “in the zone” with the aircraft. I usually sit the photographer in the seat behind me so we get the same view. This makes it easy to stay on the target.

Unfortunately, I seldom get to try my own hand at aerial photography. You see, both hands are usually busy with the controls in my single-pilot R44. …but more recently, I’ve begun doing some doors-off flying with my husband, who is also a helicopter pilot. And we take turns playing with the camera."

Maria is one of a kind and I have to admit, one of the most diverse people I have ever met. When I try to wrap my head around all she has accomplished so far in her life and then try to fathom all that she still plans on doing, my head just wants to explode with excitement. And when Maria starts talking about how she wants to help you "gain a new perspective" on something you’d better believe she means it in more ways than one! So, this Shout Out goes out to Maria Langer! Maria, you amaze and inspire me! And you’d better believe that if I’m ever in your area – I’m coming for a ride!

To learn more about Maria Langer and her work, you can click one of the many links above or click the pic to view her Twitter account.