Chuck Aaron
Chuck Aaron | |
|---|---|
| Born | Charles Aaron Template:Birth year and age United States |
| Occupation(s) | Helicopter aerobatic pilot, test pilot, flight instructor, keynote speaker |
| Years active | 1980–present |
| Known for | One of few FAA-authorized helicopter aerobatic pilots; test pilot for Boeing AH-64 Apache systems; founder of FX Helicopters |
Charles "Chuck" Aaron (callsign "Malibu") is a distinguished American aviator recognized for possessing one of the rare FAA authorizations permitting helicopter aerobatics within the United States, a distinction shared by only three others globally. In 1980, Aaron played a role in NASA's Space Shuttle aerial rescue initiative and later established FX Helicopters in Westlake Village, California, in 1997. He concluded his airshow career in 2015 with a final act at the Red Bull Air Race World Championship held in Las Vegas. Currently, Aaron specializes in delivering helicopter aerobatic instruction, advisory services, and keynote presentations internationally.
With extensive experience as a test pilot, Aaron conducted test flights of the TADS/PNVS missile targeting system for the Boeing AH-64 Apache helicopter. He also led pioneering evaluations of infrared vision technologies under brownout conditions to certify the MAX VIZ IR camera's performance. Additionally, Aaron holds FAA certification as an Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic and has constructed multiple helicopters, including assembling TAH-1F Cobra models from surplus components.
Aaron executed sophisticated aerobatic techniques such as loops, rolls, vertical climbs, Split S, Cuban Eight, Immelman, and the "Chuckcevak"—a customized variation of the Lomcovak maneuver—in an MBB Bo 105 helicopter enhanced with proprietary modifications that enabled previously unattainable stunts. These aerial feats were showcased in the opening scene of the James Bond film Spectre. He held the positions of Chief Pilot and Director of A&P Maintenance for Red Bull North America. One of his TAH-1F Cobras was operated by "The Flying Bulls" during European airshow tours until it sustained significant damage in an accident in 2017.
Since 2019, Aaron has continued to offer helicopter aerobatics training and consultancy while engaging worldwide audiences as a guest speaker.
Awards
- 1978 Honored with the "Sikorsky Rescue" Award for lifesaving actions as a civilian Sikorsky helicopter pilot
- 2006 Constructed the first FAA-certified aerobatic helicopter and earned the inaugural FAA airworthiness certificate for this aircraft category
- 2009 Recipient of the Art Scholl Showmanship Award
- 2011 Inducted into the Society of Experimental Test Pilots as a member
- 2013 Entered the Living Legends of Aviation hall
- 2014 Designated Pilot of the Year by Helicopter Association International (HAI)
- 2016 Appointed to the HAI Board of Directors and granted Lifetime Member recognition
- 2018 Established the first FAA-sanctioned Helicopter Aerobatic Training School