Meet The Man Behind Top Gun Maverick’s INSANE Aerial Stunts

Ever wondered what it takes to become a stunt pilot or aerial coordinator in film and television? In this episode, host Jason Middleton sits down with Kevin LaRosa II, the aerial coordinator and stunt pilot behind Top Gun: Maverick!

Kevin shares his journey, reflecting on his childhood and following in the footsteps of his father, also an aerial coordinator. He talks about stepping out of his dad’s shadow to carve his own path as a successful pilot, taking on various aviation jobs that eventually led him back to working in film and TV. Kevin offers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Top Gun: Maverick and shares valuable advice for anyone looking to pursue a career in aviation.

Connect with Kevin LaRosa II

Website: https://www.k2larosa.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/k2larosa

Episode timeline

00:00Being an Aerial Coordinator 04:08Flying involves teamwork, safety, and Dad being a AirWolf Pilot. 01:49The Dangers and Discipline of Aerial Firefighting 08:02Aviation passion spans three generations in Kevin’s family 10:40Kevin’s history with Aviation jobs, taking a leap of faith 16:10Best advice you ever got? Ego and humility. 20:30Blue Angel pilot humility and dynamics 22:05Favorite things to do as an aerial coordinator 26:19Initial reaction to getting the Top Gun job 29:15First time stepping onto the set 32:12Coping with the pressure of a big movie 33:26Tom Crews Aviator vs Tom Crews Actor 34:25Painful reaction to delaying the release of Top Gun Maverick 39:30Favorite scene to shoot on Top Gun Maverick, bombing targets 40:40Movie was costly but boosted Navy recruitment 43:10‘Cinematic License’, Top Gun impact 44:10Drones vs Aircrafts 47:00How young people can get involved 51:38Kevin’s favorite aviation movies 52:50Relationship with Clay Lacey 52:25Acting roles

This is a Kilo Bravo Media production produced by Rainbow Creative with Kate Middleton, Jason Middleton, and Matthew Jones as Executive Producers, Jeremiah Schutlz as Video and Audio Editor, Evan Weidenkeller as Director of Photography, Malcolm Perry as Social Media Manager, and Adam Chabiniak as Marketing Director.

Learn more on how to make a podcast for you or your business by visiting them at KiloBravoMedia.com + RainbowCreative.co