Angel City Air has compiled an impressive lineup of professional pilots from nearly every facet of the aviation industry. Our pilots know how to “Fly the Story”, giving their photographer the best angle over any scene. You will be hard pressed to find a better team of helicopter pilots working in news, motion picture and video production today.
Derek Bell - Pilot/Reporter
Derek was born and raised in Los Angeles, attended Harvard School and San Diego State University where he received his commission in the Army Reserve. He is a graduate of the U.S. Army Officer Rotary Wing Course, Air Assault School and Infantry Officer Basic Course. WIth over 12,000 hours of flight time, Derek hold Airline Transport, Flight Instructor and Seaplane ratings for airplanes with Commercial/Instrument ratings for helicopters. He has been a flight instructor, charter pilot, coporate jet pilot and Army helicopter pilot. Derek has been flying for KCAL in "Sky 9" since 1996, and has been with Angel City AIr since its inception.
Dan Catalano - Pilot
Dan began flying for Angel City Air in Januarary 2010 after completing a 30 year law enforcement career. He obtained his commercial rotorcraft license in 1989 and has over 12,000 hours flying above Southern California. Dan is a flight instructor and during his career has been involved in offshore rescues, pursuits, fire suppression and many other interesting missions.
Michael Case - Pilot/Reporter
Michael Case is a Los Angeles native whose multi-decade career is highlighted by an impressive array of assignments during his 23 years as a Los Angeles Police officer. His assignments included flying dignitary protection with the United States Secret Service during the Bush-1 and Reagan re-election campaigns, flew surveillance missions with the FBI, DEA and was awarded the Police Star for disarming a felony suspect without using deadly force. He has instrument and flight instructor ratings in both helicopters and single and multi-engine fixed wing aircraft accumulating over 12,000 hours of pilot in command time. Mike began his broadcast career in 1996 as a pilot/reporter for KNBC-LA and was regularly featured on NBC's Today Show and MSNBC.
Mark Kono - Pilot
Mark is the Pilot / Reporter for KTLA's emmy award winning morning news. A professional pilot for over 20 years, his background includes aerial photography, production, offshore, vip charter, ENG and lifesaving medical flights. He's flown for several major media outlets in the Phoenix, San Francisco and Los Angeles markets.
Tim Lynn - Pilot/Reporter
Tim is the KTLA Sky5 Pilot/Reporter for the 6 PM and 10 PM newscast. He joined Angel City Air in 2004 after 30 years in law enforcement with the Culver City and Huntington Beach Police Departments. Tim's police experience gives him a great advantage while reporting police activities like high speed pursuits. Follow Tim on Twitter @Sky5Tim.
Jim Woodaman - Pilot
Jim Woodaman began flying in 1983. In 1989, he earned a Commercial Helicopter Endorsement and has been flying professionally since 1993. Jim has flown helicopters for several operators in southern California, flying a variety of missions including fire fighting, charter, aerial photography, utility, and law enforcement.
Jim got his start in news in 1999 flying for KCAL-TV. Over the next few years, Jim flew for several other LA stations including KCBS and KNBC.
Jim continues to fly for ACA as a Contract Pilot, flying a variety of missions for the company.
Aaron Fitzgerald - Pilot
Aaron Fitzgerald is a production helicopter pilot with extensive credits in film and television. He spent three years as the primary helicopter pilot for the world record breaking REd Bull Stratos Project. Previously, he served as a Paratrooper in the U.S. Army's famed 82nd Airborne Division.
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