Pilots Will Love Top Gun: Maverick—It’s a Lot More Real

Pilots Will Love <i>Top Gun: Maverick</i>—It’s a Lot More Real

Julie Boatman

Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at 05:58 PM ET

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Aerial coordinator Kevin “K2” LaRosa II says Tom Cruise inspired him to "set the bar higher." [Courtesy: Skydance]

Key Takeaways:

Top Gun: Maverick achieved its groundbreaking aerial cinematography through the development and utilization of advanced camera platforms, most notably the custom-designed L-39 Cinejet, which enabled stable, high-clarity, and dynamic shots previously impossible.
Aerial coordinator Kevin "K2" LaRosa II, a third-generation pilot with extensive specialized training in military-style flying, was instrumental in orchestrating these complex and realistic aerial sequences by blending expert piloting skills with deep filmmaking knowledge.
The film's extended production timeline was a deliberate choice, allowing for the necessary technological advancements and a compelling story to meet Tom Cruise's vision for unparalleled realism and perfection in its aerial cinematography.

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For a movie as iconic as Top Gun, the sequel has been a long time coming. Normally, the ink is barely dry on the celluloid of version 1.0 before the next installment goes into production, ready to ride the wave of popularity and interest of that first smash hit.

But this aviation-fueled audience has waited since 1986—and there’s good reason for that. FLYING learned the secrets during an interview with top Hollywood aerial coordinator Kevin “K2” LaRosa II. He’s vice president of aerial film production for Helinet Aviation Services, and he produced the dynamic and compelling aerial ballet that comprises the heart and soul of Top Gun: Maverick.