The REAL 'Top Gun: Maverick' F-18 Pilot | He Flew as Maverick During Filming | Frank Weisser

Long before Hollywood came calling looking for a pilot who could achieve the death-defying flying they needed for the blockbuster movie "Top Gun: Maverick", Commander Frank “Walleye” Weisser already had a distinguished career under his belt.

A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Weisser would go on to fly combat missions in both the Iraq and Afghanistan theaters of war. He would transition from combat to flying for the famed Blue Angels, inspiring future generations of aviators.

When the producers of "Top Gun: Maverick" needed real-life pilots to help fly the actors while filming, Weisser was one of the few with the skillset needed to pull-off the incredible stunts. He would fly in the front seat, while Tom Cruise filmed in the back seat during many of the movie's most dangerous scenes.

Interview recorded on November 5, 2022

Video Credits:
Interviewer - Greg Corombos
Director of Photography - Jon Hambacker
Editor - Daniel Taksas

[tommytran]

Had the privilege to serve with this man while on the Blue Angels. Insanely talented and humble wouldn’t even be the right term to describe this man. He is for sure one of the best.

[sjs]

This guy is an awesome example of integrity , brains, and down to Earth humble... I envy his kids.

[jessicastrouse]

This is my cousin Frank. The most humble, kind, intelligent and wonderful human being. I have known him my whole life and am so proud to call him family ❤

[shiftingtsunami]

An unbelievable man, pilot and officer. I had the pleasure of serving with Mr. Weisser before he got back to the angels for the second time. He really is this awesome and humble!

[neilr]

There's something really nice about listening to a person who is at the absolute top of their game. What a guy.

[desperadolighfoot]

What a beautiful interview, calm, cool, collected, intelligent, empathetic and respectful, no wonder this man got to the top of the aviator world. Calculated fearlessness. Man with this character makes this world a better world to be in. Thank you for the inspiration and example.

[dennisfulton]

As a t37 usaf flight instructor 1972 to 1975 I appreciate your subtle expression of a pilot’s attitude. You only get one fatal accident per lifetime so if you move out of your comfort zone be damn careful. Well done brother.

[rusty]

What an absolute gentleman! Take lessons kids..THIS is the type of personality and humbleness that gets you to the top of the world. Nads of steel in an unassuming package.

[ganymede]

I wish I could give this video 10 thumbs up. The level of professionalism, skill, enthusiasm and dedication of this man to his craft is awe inspiring.

[nifty]

A very humble and impressive man. Great interview.

[greybeard]

Awesome interview. Thank you for your dedication and your great skill as an amazing pilot.

[OfentseMwaseFilms]

Superb! Well Done on that amazing flying, and for not killing yourself and Tom Cruise!

[americanmanstan]

This is the BEST interview I've seen. And I've seen A LOT of these "Top Gun: Maverick" interviews, having seen the movie 8 times. Great catch getting the pilot.

[danielcarlson]

This guy had a HELL of a career. Thank You for your service.

[ATVer]

3:34 time: That is pretty cool. I was a Marine there in Iraq in 2005 (OIF 3). We were doing convoy security. I remember a few times that we had F18's on the comms looking ahead for us. He may have been one of them, pretty awesome to think about . Do you know how badass you feel when you have that type a overwatch!

[mwhitelaw]

I've watched this man fly firsthand while he was with the blue angels.
They are all top notch drivers
While at pitch inverted, he was looking at people with a hand in wave, big grin on his face.
Gonna miss your style at seafair commander
All the best man

[MikeKobb]

Damn, what an impressive guy. The flying sequences in the film were spectacular. I'm so glad that they were able to get the exceptionally talented pilots & personnel to participate.

[VIPER]

"I almost rejoined". Thank you Sir for your service! Hearing these words coming from you shows that this movie is a really big help for the recruitment.

[robertashby]

Thanks for you service Cmdr. I was stationed at NAS Pensacola in the 80's. Crash Crew for T-34's . I was able to see the Blue Angels almost daily. What a gift, Great movie :)

[darrelwilson]

Such a nice and talented pilot. Thank you sir, for your service, and thanks for helping (in an enormous way)to create such a fun movie.