Driving through Oxnard Airport, I noticed an open hangar with a striking yellow biplane sitting proudly inside. It was love at first sight – a perfectly maintained Stearman Model 75, radiating timeless elegance. Next to the plane, a man was arranging cabinets in the hangar. Curious, I stopped the car and offered to help.

Can I give you a hand? I asked.
Sure, he said with a smile. I’m Aaron.
I’m Roman, I replied, already captivated by the plane.

We spent some time chatting and working, but my focus kept drifting to the Stearman. It wasn’t just beautifully restored; it looked ready to take to the skies.

The Stearman Model 75: A Brief History

The Stearman Model 75, built by the Stearman Aircraft Division of Boeing, is a classic from the 1930s and 1940s. Originally designed as a military trainer during World War II, this biplane trained thousands of U.S. Army and Navy pilots.

Key Features:

• Engine: Typically powered by a Continental R-670 radial engine, delivering around 220 horsepower.**
• Design: A rugged, straightforward design made it perfect for training new pilots.
• Role: It was renowned for being forgiving but challenging enough to teach fundamental flying skills.

Even today, the Stearman remains an icon of vintage aviation, often seen at airshows and in private collections.

** The Stearman Model 75, originally built as a military trainer, is often recognized for its rugged construction and its radial engine configuration. While many Stearmans were equipped with the Continental R-670 radial engine, Aaron’s Stearman features a Lycoming R-680-11 radial engine.

This particular engine is a 7-cylinder, air-cooled radial engine, known for its reliability and robust power output. Some key specifications include:
• Engine Model: Lycoming R-680-11
• Horsepower: Approximately 300 HP
• Cylinders: 7
• Configuration: Direct-drive radial engine with a right-hand propeller rotation

The R-680 series making it a fitting upgrade for the Stearman. It not only enhances the aircraft’s performance but also adds a layer of reliability and efficiency that modern pilots appreciate.

This upgrade highlights the dedication to maintaining and modernizing the Stearman while preserving its classic, timeless design. Aaron’s Stearman, powered by this remarkable engine, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Model 75.

Meeting Aaron Fitzgerald

After leaving the hangar, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I knew this “Aaron” from somewhere. Then it hit me – Aaron Fitzgerald, the helicopter aerobatics master from the Red Bull Air Force!

A few days later, Aaron called and invited me back to his hangar help finish some work. This time, I was prepared – not just to help, but to ask all the questions I could about his flying career.

Aaron shared stories of his time flying jaw-dropping helicopter aerobatics, his passion for aviation, and why he chose the Stearman Model 75.

The Stearman is pure flying, he explained. It’s challenging, raw, and connects you to the basics of flight like nothing else.

Taking Flight in the Stearman

A few days later, Aaron invited me for a flight in his Stearman Model 75. The pre-flight experience was already something new:
• Taxiing: You zigzag left and right to see ahead, as the nose of the Stearman obscures your view of the runway.
• Open Cockpit: Without a canopy, I thought the wind might rip my headset off – but I was wrong.
Once airborne, the Stearman proved to be remarkably stable. Its responsiveness to the controls was incredible – every slight movement of the stick resulted in an immediate and precise reaction. Flying this biplane felt alive, almost as if it were an extension of the pilot.
As we cruised at 1,000 feet along the coast, heading toward Montecito and Santa Barbara, the open cockpit gave an unmatched sense of freedom. Behind the windscreen, I couldn’t feel the breeze, but I could feel the sheer joy of flying.
On the way back, we flew over Hollywood Beach and made the obligatory circle above Channel Islands Marina, where Kasia was on the boat. While we didn’t leave a smoke trail this time, the view from the Stearman was spectacular – a true celebration of the simplicity and beauty of flying.

Lessons from the Stearman

Flying a vintage biplane like the Stearman isn’t just about the experience – it’s about what it teaches you as a pilot:
• Stick-and-Rudder Skills: The Stearman demands precise control inputs, reminding you of the fundamentals of flying.
• Connection to the Aircraft: Without the aid of modern avionics, you learn to feel the plane, responding intuitively to its movements.
• Appreciation for Simplicity: It’s a stark contrast to modern cockpits, focusing entirely on the art of flying.

For a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), the Stearman is a masterclass in back-to-basics flying, teaching humility and a deeper connection to the craft.

A Farewell to Remember

After we landed back in Oxnard, Aaron smiled and said, Next time, we’ll fly the helicopter.

On the way home, I found myself reminiscing about my first encounter with the Red Bull Team and Siegfried “Blacky” Schwarz. I remembered watching him perform upside-down helicopter maneuvers over our airfield in Jastarnia, Poland – a jaw-dropping display of skill and precision. Later, we spent hours talking about how a love for flying is born and why only a handful of pilots in the world hold the rare licenses needed for aerobatic helicopter flying.

Flying with Aaron brought those memories rushing back, a reminder of the unique paths that bring aviators together and the shared passion that keeps us all connected to the skies. It’s moments like these that make aviation not just a profession or a hobby, but a lifelong journey of discovery and connection.

Aaron Fitzgerald is an ATP-rated helicopter pilot with over 9,000 flight hours, renowned for his aerobatic prowess and significant contributions to both the entertainment industry and aviation community.

Early Life and Inspiration

Growing up in Wenatchee, Washington, near a U.S. Forest Service Tanker base, Aaron was captivated by aircraft combating fires in the surrounding mountains. This early exposure ignited his passion for aviation.

Military Service

Aaron served as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army, where he developed a profound understanding of aerial operations and discipline.

Film and Television Career

Transitioning to civilian life, Aaron specialized in aerial cinematography, contributing to over 100 films and television shows. His expertise includes:

•Aerial Coordination: Orchestrating complex flight sequences for visual media.

• Stunt Flying: Performing precise and daring maneuvers for cinematic effect.

• Utility Flying: Operating in challenging environments, including mountainous terrains and offshore locations.

Red Bull Air Force

In 2018, Aaron joined the Red Bull Air Force and The Flying Bulls, becoming the only American aerobatic helicopter pilot on the team. Trained by masters Rainer Wilke and Siegfried “Blacky” Schwarz, he now performs aerobatic displays across North America, showcasing maneuvers such as:

• Loops and Rolls: Demonstrating the agility of helicopters.

• Inverted Flight: Flying upside down, a rare feat in rotary-wing aviation.

Notable Achievements

• Airshow Performances: Entertaining millions with dynamic aerobatic routines.

• Media Features: Highlighted in various publications for his contributions to aviation.

• Mentorship: Inspiring aspiring pilots through public engagements and interviews.

Personal Philosophy

Aaron emphasizes the importance of passion and dedication in aviation, often reflecting on his journey from an inspired youth to a leading figure in aerobatic flying.

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