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:

Aerial coordinator Kevin "K2" LaRosa II was central to "Top Gun: Maverick's" realistic flying sequences, having developed advanced aerial cinematography technology to make them possible.
LaRosa engineered the L-39 Cinejet, an optimized aerial camera platform, providing unprecedented stability and maneuverability to capture dynamic, high-G jet footage with superior clarity.
Achieving the film's stunning visuals required LaRosa's unique expertise as both a highly skilled "aviator"—trained in complex military-style formations—and a filmmaker proficient in camera technology and composition.
Tom Cruise's vision for "Top Gun: Maverick" pushed the team to develop and utilize cutting-edge aerial camera systems and flying techniques to achieve a new level of perfection in 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.