Marta Empinotti

Nick name: Mama Bird (For the way I treat my students)

Birthday: 12/18/1964

Home (Drop Zone): Moab, Utah

Describe your character: A strong passion for life and freedom best describes me. I have followed my heart since I was a young girl. Teaching has always been second nature to me, it always puts a smile on my face. Helen Keller once said, ”Life is either a daring adventure or nothing”.

Air sport, when and where did you start: I started skydiving in Brazil in 1985. I started BASE jumping with 70 skydives in 1986.

Fame: I have been very fortunate in that several shows have found it interesting that I am a Brazilian woman who moved to the states and became a pioneer in the sport of BASE jumping. I have done some stunts in movies for female actresses involving parachuting and the most recent was a stunt that I did for Discovery’s ”Stunt Junkies” where I jumped off of a semi truck that was crossing the Foresthill bridge in California.

First flight: In 1999 I did a 4 way with Jimmy, Eli Thompson and Jeff Calesa. I remember feeling like a slow motion secret agent fly, with the mission impossible theme in my head. It was unreal and very real at the same time. I remember laughing all the way down under canopy.

Most memorable flight: Flying over Mineral Bottom canyon near Moab with Jimmy, very three dimensional and beautiful.

Longest (BASE) flight: I’ll let you know after this Summer.

Why do you jump: Jumping gives me what nothing else can, the feeling of ultimate freedom.

What do you still want to do in the air: I have done so much in the last 20 years of the sport, that sometimes it is hard for me to see it, but I know it’s out there, it’s part of evolution. Wingsuiting is the thing that is breathing new life into my attitude towards BASE right chest.

Your advice to somebody who wants to get started: Don’t try to re-invent the wheel, find out if what you are trying to do has already been tested and failed.

Greatest aviation accomplishment of all time: There are a couple, but they would not be the greatest for me if I shared. Some things are sacred and secret, sorry.

I want to give thanks to: My parents, for being supportive of my experiencing freedom in its true form…BASE Jumping.

I fly: The Classic and Blade

Other sponsors: Go Fast

Testimonial (about BIRDMAN): I have been manufacturing rigs for nineteen years and I cannot help but notice the perfect craftmanship that goes into the BIRDMAN suits.

My web site: www.apexbase.com