Helicopter Goes Full Inverted Over Cleveland in Death-Defying Stunts at Cleveland National Air Show
- Gremi
- Aug 31
- 2 min read
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Veteran helicopter pilot Aaron Fitzgerald stunned thousands in Cleveland this weekend with a jaw-dropping aerial performance aboard the Red Bull BO-105, pulling off complex maneuvers including a double-back flip that defied the laws of physics and left spectators in awe.
Fitzgerald, a 25-year aviation veteran with more than 9,000 flight hours, is one of the few pilots in the world capable of executing helicopter aerobatics at this level. Trained by legends Rainer Wilke and Blacky Schwarz, he now flies for The Flying Bulls and Red Bull Air Force, delivering gravity-defying performances at airshows across North America.
Before taking off, Fitzgerald met with Cleveland 13’s Gremi at the Red Bull helicopter for an exclusive pre-show look. He opened the chopper for a full tour, giving viewers a glimpse inside the aircraft engineered to perform extreme maneuvers. “It’s an incredible machine,” Gremi said after getting inside. “The way Aaron controls it in the sky is something you have to see to believe.”
The display was part of a packed day at the Cleveland National Air Show, which featured numerous elite performers. While Fitzgerald tore up the sky with loops, spins, and inverted flight, Cleveland 13’s Nikkie Brown took to the skies with the U.S. Army Golden Knights, documenting their precision jumps from 12,500 feet above the city.
Fitzgerald’s performance marks the first time he has flown alongside the Red Bull Air Force Skydivers and pilot Kirby Chambliss in Cleveland. Their coordinated demonstration blended helicopter aerobatics, skydiving, and high-speed fixed-wing acrobatics, captivating audiences from the lakefront.
His background includes service as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division. After military service, Fitzgerald transitioned to film and television aviation, contributing to more than 100 productions as an aerial coordinator and camera platform pilot. He has also worked on flight test programs for NASA and Lockheed Martin and continues to fly UH-60 Blackhawks on firefighting missions across the western United States.
The Cleveland Air Show is also spotlighting aviation leadership this year. Gremi spoke with Kim Dell, the show’s executive director, who is set to receive the Katherine Wright Award for her contributions as a leader and trailblazer for women in aviation. Cleveland 13 also met with Jeff Downie, lead pilot flying inverted in the #5 jet during the show.
Fitzgerald’s performance and presence added a world-class thrill to an already high-powered lineup. His flying skill and aerial creativity made the Red Bull segment a standout attraction of the day.
You can see more of Cleveland 13’s coverage from the Air Show, including interviews with the Golden Knights, Kim Dell, and pilot Jeff Downie, here.
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