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:

The long-awaited sequel, *Top Gun: Maverick*, achieved unprecedented visual realism and clarity in its high-speed aerial sequences by developing and utilizing advanced cinematography technology.
Aerial coordinator Kevin "K2" LaRosa II was crucial in this effort, designing the L-39 Cinejet—an optimized camera platform with a six-axis stabilized system—and employing other specialized aircraft to capture dynamic, stable footage under extreme conditions.
LaRosa highlights that this demanding role requires a unique combination of expert piloting across diverse aircraft and a deep understanding of filmmaking, reflecting the high standards set by Tom Cruise for the movie's aerials.

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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.