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, the aerial coordinator for Top Gun: Maverick, leveraged his extensive background in aviation and specialized training in military-style flying to create the film's dynamic and realistic aerial sequences.
The film's groundbreaking aerial cinematography was made possible by the development of custom camera platforms, especially the L-39 Cinejet, which integrated a six-axis stabilized camera system to capture clear, high-quality footage during extreme maneuvers.
Achieving such complex aerials requires an aerial coordinator to possess a unique blend of advanced piloting skills across various aircraft and a deep understanding of filmmaking principles, including cinematography, composition, and camera technology.

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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.