Overhead shots of the Lady were captured from a low-flying helicopter, piloted by a Viet Nam veteran that Veltri had hired. Also on board was the Newsweek Art Director, who had requested to come along. Because there was so little space in the helicopter, that meant that she would have to take the place of the photo assistant. Veltri reluctantly agreed to the arrangement when he was assured that she would keep his cameras loaded with film.
The pilot, who had removed most of the helicopter’s floor to allow for better viewing, followed Veltri’s instructions by flying as close as possible to the magnificent statue - a feat that would be outlawed today. While skillfully encircling it, he came so close that he triggered a loud flashing Sensor! Sensor! Sensor! alarm on his instrument panel.
Precariously positioned with a belt strapped tightly around his waist to keep him from falling out, Veltri wedged himself next to the seat and photographed the statue though the helicopter’s open floor, capturing views of the Statue of Liberty that had never before been seen. Wide-eyed and terrified, the Art Director sat frozen in her seat, tightly gripping the yet-to-be-loaded extra cameras.