Our interview with the rotographer of the week. He's a commercial pilot and he works in Manhattan, And he can't get enough of it

by Nicola Zamperini

"I always wanted to be a helicopter pilot in New York." That’s the dream of (quite almost) any child in the world. What for many pilots remains elusive, to Jeff Vogel, is what he does everyday.

To get there, Jeff had to work hard, no easy task. Before gaining his CPL, he spent eight years as a Fire Team Leader of US. Marines and, above all, he has conducted 58 combat patrols throughout Afghanistan.

Now Jeff is a professional helicopter pilot in New York and is one of the most appreciated rotographers on Instagram @JeffHelo ,we talked with him to understand how he started his career and what its like flying over one of the most intense and spectacular cities in the world.

Jeff, let's start from you. Who are you and what do you do for a living?

My name is Jeff Vogel, I am a Commercial Helicopter Pilot with Zip Aviation and Manhattan Helicopters flying in New York City. We primarily fly out of the Downtown Manhattan Wall Street Heliport.

How did you become a helicopter pilot?

My first flight in a Helicopter was right here in New York on a tour, when I was eleven years old. I knew then, I wanted to fly helicopters in New York! I served in the United States Marine Corps and used my education benefits to help me with the cost of helicopter flight school.

When did you start your taking pictures from helicopters?

Over the past few years I have realized how amazing the combination between aviation and photography can be. I have taken photography much more seriously in the past 2 years.

What’s your favorite helo?

By far the Bell 407 GX's that Zip Aviation fly are my favorite helicopters. That color combination along with the G1000's, it's a beautiful thing!

Working as a helicopter pilot in NY must be amazing. Are there any difficult part of this job?

You really need to always be on top of your game. We fly in the world’s busiest airspace and at the world’s busiest heliport. The airspace is extremely complex with 3 intersecting bravos. You need to be paying attention to Air Traffic Control at all times and keep a very close eye out for traffic.

And what are the best parts?

It’s never boring and the flights we get to do are simply amazing! Charters, Tours, Contracts, Film and Photo work, the people you meet are all great! Everyone is happy when you’re flying in New York City.

What kind of helicopter operations do you like the most?

I really enjoy flying film and photo work, especially at night with the city lights. We have professional photographers from all over the world come and to take photos of this amazing city. It’s my job to ensure they get the best shots possible. I usually take off and fly them over Central Park, Times Square, around the Empire State Building, and hover next to the Statue of Liberty. Seeing the final product in an art Gallery or on a website is huge sense of accomplish for me.

What kind of equipment do you use to take your pictures?

I first started with just an Iphone. My Instagram is mostly done with my Iphone 6. However I recently made a serious upgrade to a Canon 5D camera. So I'm really looking forward to supplying better, more professional grade photos to my followers. I also have started to sell my photographs on canvas for those wanting some aviation artwork. The next purchase will be a fish eye.

Do you think that the social media will help spreading the importance of aerial work?

I really think the thrill of flight is something special. I work in the sky and when I'm on the ground I find myself looking up, trying to find a bird, a plane, or something that is flying. Its special to all humans I think, a true sense of freedom. I hope social media continues to show others the magic of flight and the feelings connected with that.