‘True gentleman’ helicopter pilot remembered for duty and service





Charles Aaron

Charles Aaron

Family, friends and fellow pilots gathered at Camarillo Airport June 21 to pay tribute to Charles Aaron, a 35-year-old Westlake Village man who was killed in a solo motorcycle crash on Kanan Road earlier this month.

Aaron was riding his BMW motorcycle south toward Malibu June 13 when he missed a curve in the road and crashed into the side of a mountain, California Highway officer Leland Tang said.

Aaron was thrown from his motorcycle and died at the scene.

An Air Force veteran who served in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, Aaron is the son of Chuck Aaron, a renowned aerobatic pilot for Red Bull and president of Westlake Village-based FX Helicopters.

He and his father shared a passion for flying and were best friends. They worked together at the Camarillo Airport and traveled across the U.S. participating in helicopter air shows, said Sean Aaron, the victim’s older brother.

“He was quiet and humble, and a fantastic pilot. He also was gentle and kind,” the brother said.

Aaron and his father recently started a business together; a flight training academy for helicopter pilots. Aaron was an instructor.

Aaron grew up in Florida, but he and his father moved to California about 15 years ago. Aside from flying, the younger Aaron enjoyed surfing, hiking, literature and history.

In a story published on Rotor.org, Matthew Zuccaro, president and CEO of Virginia-based Helicopter Association International, said the younger Aaron was a “consummate professional in the exercise of his duties and activities as a helicopter pilot,” and was “a true gentleman and wonderful person who always offered his assistance to those in need.”

Aaron recently moved to Camarillo, but spent much of his time in Westlake Village with his parents.

Tuesday’s memorial service at Camarillo Airport began with a fly-by tribute. A formation of Russian Yak 52 aircraft passed low with trailing smoke. Then a fleet of nine helicopters arrived accompanied by a black Huey that brought Aaron’s casket and his father to a hangar where the service took place.

“The memorial was very moving and personal. His father described Charles as a humble, caring and a sensitive person. He was also a very accomplished pilot for such a young age,” said Ricarda Bennett, a friend of the family and member of the Professional Helicopter Pilots Association.

The family is still waiting for the final police report on the accident. Aaron was an experienced rider. “He was a superior, conscientious and methodical pilot and motorcyclist, and a cautious person,” Sean Aaron said.

Aaron is survived by his parents Chuck and Jody, brother Sean, sister Ashley Aaron Scott, stepmother Wendi, and girlfriend Sepi Ghahremanpour.


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