Isabella Rowntree-Smith. 24. Female. Helicopter Pilot
George Petty is working on a project that requires some aerial photography of the Berkeley shoreline. He rented a helicopter and invited me along for the ride. One hour. Great fun. All the way up to the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge and back.
A young, female helicopter pilot seemed like a great story. Isabella agreed to do a short interview after our “tour.” Turns out she is the great niece of Les Rowntree, an old friend from Berkeley High.
Check out this interview. She is completely charming… and you’ll learn a few things about helicopters – like when the engine fails, you can glide back to earth and land safely.
Best photo from the trip
Quotes
“All religions are no other than human inventions set up to terrify and enslave mankind and monopolize power and profit.”
– Thomas Paine, The Age of Reason, 1794
“The fastest way to feel like you matter is to show someone else that they do.”
– Jennifer Breheny Wallace, WSJ January 17, 2026
“Concentrated wealth is inseparable from concentrated power.”
– Robert Reich
“The middle powers must act together – because if we are not at the table, we’re on the menu.”
– Mark Carney, Canadian Prime Minister at Davos.
“At this stage of life, I’m a great deal more concerned about the future of the country than the size of my tax bill.”
– Mitt Romney, WSJ, January 20, 2026
Sounds great Mitt, but I surmise, then, that earlier in life your tax bill was more important than the future of the country.
Yep, that’s a problem about you and your wealthy colleagues. So, earlier in life, you’d say, “To hell with the country (the poor). My tax bill is more important.”
More Photos
OMG Rick, love that you got in the helicopter again and what a great interview with the pilot!! Your photos are always amazing.
You never let grass grow under your feet but are always on your way to new adventures. Love that you share with all of us!
favorite line: “How long have you been doing this?” great interview, Rick….the lady knows….
I don’t have a lot of fears, but helicopter riding is one. I would ride with her, though! Fantastic blog post — thanks
Great photos. Pretty brave of you to fly in something without wings.