The actual Top Gun: Maverick pilot on flying Tom Cruise

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.

[toxicongaming]

What a huge show of respect, no one seems to get it but military pilots are supremely experienced. Having one say that about Tom Cruise says a lot about his capability

[Chfdadda]

Walleye is a Blue Angel’s commander pilot, so you can bet he’s the best pilot in the room. Hearing his praise of Tom Cruise is incredible.

[slugdriveruh]

"No room for error" At 20 AGL, and that speed, you can't blink, you can't sneeze, it's pure 100 percent hand/eye coordination/concentration and Balls. Best fighter pilot movie ever made.⛳

[bountyhunterboy]

I like how the pilot isn't arrogant, even though he could scare the pants off anyone.

[ajamico]

“Hey bro, when we go up today, try to break the plane a little. Cool?”
-probably Tom Cruise

[mclarenscca]

One of the best movies I've seen in a long time!

[shawnr]

Watched this movie last night.
Props to the pilots.

I know there was some Hollywood magic done.

However that in no way takes away from the phenomenal flying the pilots did.

[Slowhand]

Tom has baggage and don’t we all but the guys a total stud. He always comes across as capable direct and honest.

[RobotLegJim]

Every word he’s saying about the other person in the airplane is the absolute truth.

[rjb]

I remember watching MI3. The first 5-10 min of that show with him and Philip Seymour Hoffman was 100% solid gold.

[jeffreykrebbs]

I've wanted to hear pilot's perspective on this. Thank you. Did not disappoint.

[ArrKayCee]

He might be a weirdo but he is dedicated to filmmaking.

[shaynebaca]

this man is so professional and informative

[LeonChetsky]

These things are the one's we should be watching !!! INTELLIGENT & MAGNIFIED stories

[jpdive]

I served with Commander Frank Weisser on the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). 2005 deployment .

[diaperjoeisaped]

This was a fantastic interview. We get to hear from the actual pilot. It was great to hear how well they meshed.👍

[dallasc]

I'm 51, love the 1st and the 2nd, watched so much about number 2. Great movie.

[StepAttitude]

What's the deal with flying around "VIPs" in military aircraft? I'm paying for those aircraft and I'm ready for my ride.

[ShMartinJo]

I wish this was on the special features for the Top Gun Maverick’s home video release

[anttitheinternetguy]

The More i hear about Tom Cruise The More i feel like hes one of those few Hollywood actors worth The praise