James Williams uses Instagram to capture breathtaking views around Sydney, Australia, and shares his best "heli-camping" sites.

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Q1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you became a helicopter pilot?

My name is James Williams, I am 25 years old and live on the Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia. My helicopter journey started when I was given a trial introductory flight (TIF) as a birthday present when I was 16. I instantly knew that this was what I wanted to do as my career. I worked outside of aviation for a few years after school before going to do my license, which I completed when I was 19. I have worked for Sydney Helicopters for the past five years, and currently back with them full-time, as well as taking four months of the year off to fly for Helispirit in Western Australia during the winter. 

Q2. Describe your unique flying experience in Australia. What aspects of Australia do you like to highlight and why, maybe the camping expeditions? Have you flown in other cities, countries, or exotic locations?

For the past three dry seasons, I have been based out of remote camps in the Kimberley with Helispirt. I am very lucky that there aren’t many areas in the Kimberley I haven't seen. The most unique experiences I have had working up there would have to be heli camping in some of the most remote places in Australia and discovering some of the most breathtaking waterfalls. Being based out of Sydney for the majority of the year, so I love to fly around the coastline and up in the blue mountains.

Q3. What are your favorite aspects of documenting your adventure, Overland Pilot, on Instagram? What equipment would you recommend for others to take breathtaking photos like yours?

I really enjoy documenting what I do through my photos and videos. With all the amazing places I get to fly and the amazing things I get to see I can never do them justice trying to explain them, so for me its the best way to share what I do with everyone else. A picture really is worth a 1,000 words. For equipment, I would recommend a good quality camera and lens. I use the same camera and lens for 90 percent for my photos, and I don't go anywhere without it.

Q4. How would you describe the “perfect Instagram shot?” What is your favorite photo you’ve taken this year?

My favourite shots are the ones I manage to capture from inside the cabin being able to show what I get to see from my perspective. My favorite photo... now that's a really hard one. There have definitely been a lot of favorites over the years. I would have to say one my favorite would be this one of us camping with the helis out in the Kimberleys.

Q5. What is your history with Bell aircraft?

I first flew bells in my training for my commercial license for a few hours, majority of my flying experience now has been flying Bell aircraft. I’ve flown with Helispirit with their fleet of four, B206 Jet Rangers, and four, B206L Long Rangers, also flying Sydney Helicopters B206 Jet Ranger.

Q6. At Bell, one of our main objectives is to thrill our customers, both pilots and passengers. What is one thrilling aspect of flying Bells that people might not know?

In my experiences, flying out in some of the most remote parts of Australia from the East Coast to the West Coast doing a large variety of work, you need a strong and reliable aircraft you can count on to go anywhere. Bells have definitely filled that role for me.