Michael E. Tamburro

Michael Edward Tamburro (September 5, 1957-August 20, 1996) was an American helicopter pilot. His television and film career was prominent in the 1980s-1990s. He was best known for his groundbreaking helicopter stunt work in Die Hard, Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), and True Lies (1994).

Early life and education Tamburro was born on September 5, 1957 in East Meadow on Long Island, New York. He was the son of Italian American parents Anthony Tamburro and Eleanor Picerni. Eleanor's brother's, Charles Picerni and Paul Picerni both worked in the TV and movie industry. Paul, Tamburro's uncle was best known for his acting career, particularly in the hit ABC series, The Untouchables. Tamburro had 4 siblings, Charles "Chuck", John, Anthony, and Jerilyn Bayouth. Tamburro often worked closely with his brother, Charles Tamburro on numerous productions. Chuck Tamburro is a noted Vietnam Veteran with many screen credits. His youngest brother, John Tamburro, is also a helicopter camera and stunt pilot, who has been working in the TV and film industry since 1989.

Tamburro moved to California with his family when he was 10. He grew up and attended school in Tarzana in the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles. He graduated from Taft High School in 1975. He earned his Private Fixed Wing pilot's license when he was 18 while attending Pierce Community College. He transferred to California State University, Northridge and graduated in 1981 with a degree in Geography. The Michael E. Tamburro Scholarship Fund at Cal State Northridge awards undergraduate Geography students that have transferred from a community college with tuition for four consecutive semesters. Tamburro received his Commercial Rotorcraft helicopter rating in 1983.

Career

West Coast Helicopters Tamburro co-founded West Coast Helicopters with his business partner, Alan Purwin, in 1987. West Coast Helicopters offered full scale operations including: charter, news gathering, organ donor procurement flying surgical teams, frost control, flight school, production work.

West Coast Helicopters was one of the early pioneers of news gathering on air reporting. They provided helicopters and pilots for numerous local stations including KTLA Morning news in the early years.

Credits