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:

Kevin "K2" LaRosa II, a highly experienced third-generation pilot and aerial coordinator, spearheaded the groundbreaking aerial cinematography for *Top Gun: Maverick*, drawing on extensive training in diverse and specialized flight techniques.
The film's dynamic and clear aerial sequences were made possible by LaRosa's custom-developed L-39 Cinejet, an optimized camera platform featuring a highly stabilized system, alongside other specialized aircraft like the Phenom 300 and Airbus H125 AStar.
Inspired by Tom Cruise's demand for unparalleled realism, the role of aerial coordinator required a unique blend of diverse piloting skills, in-depth filmmaking knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to safety and precision to capture the movie's iconic flight scenes.

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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.