Buckle Up: I Went Airborne (and Inverted) With Red Bull Air Force’s Aaron Fitzgerald

If you've ever wondered what it would be like to flip upside down in a helicopter, keep reading! The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds headlined the 2026 Owensboro Air Show, which also featured the incredible Red Bull Air Force. Aaron Fitzgerald, who pilots the Red Bull aerobatic helicopter, is part of that team and I had the privilege of hopping in the chopper with him, buckling up, and lettin' her roll.

Aaron has been with Red Bull since 2016, but has been piloting helicopters for decades. He lives in Los Angeles, California, where he pilots for the movie industry. His work has been featured in movies you've seen and movies you'll see eventually. An example- Aaron recently wrapped work on A Quiet Place 3. I personally love that franchise and can't wait to see the new installment. When I see helicopters, I'm gonna say, "Hey, I know that guy!"

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Heck! Not only do I know him, I can now say I have flown with him. I got that honor just a couple of hours before the Owensboro Air Show got underway Saturday afternoon. I had ridden in an aerobatic helicopter before - with Southern Utah University Aerobatics. However, Aaron quickly pointed out that I was going to experience maneuvers in the Red Bull helicopter I hadn't experienced.  He was right!

Aaron basically did his entire show with me along for the ride. While, I don't remember the name of a single trick he performed, we we're upside down and rolling over a lot.

If you want to know what the helicopter looks like from outside the cockpit, take a look at this. You'll recognize some of the maneuvers from my ride.

There's no other way to say it. Aaron Fitzgerald is the man. He wowed the crowds at the Owensboro Air Show and I can assure you he wowed me. That ride was exhilarating.

They say "Red Bull gives you wings." Forget the wings. Aaron rocked out the rotor.