Tom Cruise's Plane Stunt in 'Top Gun: Maverick': Fact or Fiction?

The long-awaited sequel to Tony Scott's 1986 film, Top Gun, has generated immense excitement. One of the most discussed aspects of the movie is whether Tom Cruise actually flew in the plane stunts. The answer, as it turns out, is both yes and no. In this article, we delve into the details of the stunt and explore the possibility of Cruise piloting the aircraft himself.

Tom Cruise and Aviation

Tom Cruise is not only a charismatic actor but also a certified pilot. His dedication to authenticity and his love for aviation make him stand out in the film industry. However, ensuring the safety of everyone involved in the production is of paramount importance. As a result, the film industry adheres to strict safety guidelines, relying on professional stunt teams to execute such complex maneuvers.

Official Stunt Safety and Tom Cruise's Grip

During an interview with Tom Cruise, it was revealed that while he participates in flying sequences, the film industry uses professional stunt teams to ensure safety. According to the Director of Photography, Robert Elswit, during the filming of one of the daring stunts, Cruise was securely fastened to the plane.

While there are no flyable F-14’s in the current US Navy inventory, most of the F/A-18 scenes in the movie were likely filmed with Tom Cruise as a passenger in the backseat of a flying F/A-18F. This setup allowed for the necessary close-up shots and cockpit scenes without compromising safety.

Lockheed and Boeing's Experimental UAV: DarkStar

A reference to the Lockheed hypersonic DarkStar, which is fictional, led to a discussion about an actual experimental unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) built by Lockheed and Boeing. This aircraft, called the DarkStar, was subsonic and can be seen in the National Air and Space Museum.

Tom Cruise Flying His P-51 Mustang: A Licensed Pilot

When it comes to Tom Cruise holding on to the side of an airplane, there is some truth in his stunts. With his license as a pilot, he can fly a P-51 Mustang himself. One notable scene in Top Gun: Maverick features Tom Cruise flying his own P-51 Mustang, alongside his character's plane.

While the movie industry often employs special effects and allows actors to take some risks, the safety measures are highly regulated. As a result, many of the visual effects are combined with real-life sequences to create the seamless experience that audiences enjoy.

Conclusion

To sum up, Tom Cruise did hold on to the side of an airplane and fly his P-51 Mustang in the movie, thanks to his pilot's license and the support of the film industry's safety measures. This demonstrates his dedication to authenticity and his passion for aviation, making him a standout figure in the film industry.

For more details and discussions about the stunts and the movie, please leave your comments below. Stay tuned for more insights into the world of cinema and aviation!