Airborne images

Aaron Fitzgerald established Airborne Images to deliver exceptional aerial production, helicopter services and photography for clients in Southern California, across the country and around the world. Airborne Images has provided Aaron the perfect opportunity to pursue his passion for flying and photography.

Originally from Wenatchee, Washington, Aaron served in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper and artillery specialist in the famed 82nd Airborne Division.

The California State Firefighter’s Association awarded Aaron their Medal of Valor in April 2000 for rescuing the crew of a downed news helicopter as it burned on the ground.

Aaron and his wife, Melanie, live in Los Angeles. In his limited spare time, Aaron enjoys playing ice hockey, mountain biking and running.

Carston Bell’s fascination with all things aviation and motion-picture related led to his career as a Director of Aerial Photography. Since the late 1990s, Carston has been behind the camera for a wide range of projects, including complex aerial sequences for motion pictures, dramatic series, documentaries, live television and reality-based programming. He’s been the recipient of numerous awards and nominations, including two Emmys for excellence in photography.

When not in an aircraft, Carston directs the aerial television production operations at Angel City Air.

In his off time, Carston enjoys pursuing his second career as a helicopter pilot. He lives with his wife near Pasadena.

Luke Aikins is a professional skydiver with three world records and more than 15,000 jumps to his credit. He has advanced the art of freefall cinematography with his camera work on the Red Bull Stratos project, were he serves as the expert skydiving consultant. A skydiving instructor, coach and member of the elite Red Bull Air Force demonstration team, Luke is on staff at Kapowsin Air Sports in Washington. He is an expert in parachute testing; an adept BASE jumper, a commercial airplane pilot and aerial photographer; a master of the skydiving disciplines of swooping, wing suits (squirrel suits), free flying and accuracy landings; and is one of the pioneers of combining a canopy with skis. Additionally, he is one of the designated Safety and Training Advisors for the U.S. Parachute Association.

Through his own venture, Para Tactics, LLC. Luke trains elite Tier One Special Operations Teams for the Department of Defense in advanced skydiving.

Luke lives in Shelton, WA, with his wife Monica and their son Logan. Monica is also a professional skydiver.

A licensed commercial helicopter pilot for the last 18 years with a private airplane rating, Jonathan Gunn also holds an electrical engineering degree. These two disciplines enabled him to start AKV, Inc., which designs engine monitoring systems for the helicopter industry.

A Southern California resident since moving from England in 1979, Jonathan, his wife and two children live north of Los Angeles, in Ventura County. Jonathan enjoys mountain biking, snow skiing, mountain fishing and the best flying weather around.

A commercial helicopter pilot and an accomplished photographer, David brings a wealth of experience to Airborne Images. David worked as a staff photographer for the Los Angeles Times for 15 years, where he was part of three staff Pulitzer Prizes for news photography. During that time, he also gained valuable experience as a line pilot working for Helinet Aviation and other L.A. area companies. In 2001, he was hired as a staff photographer for The White House, where he chronicled the the behind-the-scenes and daily life of Vice President Dick Cheney and President George W. Bush, including the events of September 11th, 2001.

After serving his country for eight years, he returned to his native city of Los Angeles to join Airborne Images as a pilot and photographer and is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.