THE peak tourism season in the Northern Territory sees Kurt Larson take 20 flights a day over the stunning Katherine Gorge.
Kurt's day job is as a helicopter pilot for tourism operator Nitmiluk Tours.
It's in stark contrast to his previous work as a structural draftsman, in his native homeland of New Zealand.
But Kurt always had a burning desire to fly.
"It's something that I have always wanted to do since I was in school, but it was always too hard or I could never really do it," Kurt said.
"So I got a normal job, did that for seven years as a structural draftsman, but I had enough of that.
"I wanted a fun job that I enjoyed, even if it meant it [being] paid less."
So Kurt quit his job to study full time.
Nine months later, he had his helicopter licence.
After starting out as a crewman in New Zealand, it didn't take long for him to nab a job at Nitmiluk Tours, taking tourists out over Nitmiluk National Park in their Robinson R44.
Another resounding contrast from his previous life is the climate - a Territory attribute that Kurt admitted wasn't for everyone.
"You have to be able to put up with a bit more - willing to put up with heat in the wet season. It's hot and humid, 35-45 degrees. You're hot all the time."
However, it all seems well worth it when you're looking down over what truly is God's country.
"Most people don't realise how big it is.
"If they have done it on a boat from the river level and views of the cliffs, getting above it gives you a view of how flat and vast it all is.
"You can see in all directions - it is a huge, huge place."
Flying 20 times a day over the same stretch of land might start to sound repetitive, but Kurt assures that isn't the case.
"My favourite thing is going to different spots.
"Some days it's the usual, but some days you'll go where you have never been before.
"It is such a big place - there are endless things to see out here.
"Some days you go out and see a couple of crocodiles fighting or a dingo chasing a buffalo, or even just a waterfall you've never seen before."
