Thunderbird Fighter Pilot Reacts to Top Gun Maverick Film Training!

In this video a Thunderbird Pilot Reacts to the Top Gun Maverick Most Intense Film Training Trailer. You will see fighter pilots and actors pulling G forces in fighter jets. I will give you behind the scenes information on what its like to be a fighter pilot and how they were able to prepare actors for the Top Gun Maverick movie premier!
#TopGun #Aviation #Fighterpilot
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[@xris5697]

My son currently flies the single seat F18E Super Hornet. I’ll be wearing his Navy flight jacket when I go see the movie. So proud of him.

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

You should be! That’s awesome

[@sophiepaterson7444]

Super cool.

[@deandredunbar9618]

Kinda culty don't yah thing. It's just a job

[@sophiepaterson7444]

@@deandredunbar9618 Kinda judgy don't ya think?. I don't know, I wish my parents were proud of what I do.

[@KyleCowden]

Hey @xris, thank you for raising a patriot.. a very cool patriot.

[@Baker7of10]

My dad is an F18 pilot, Colonel in the Marine Corps. He graduated Top Gun in the 80s when the first movie came out. We are going to see this movie on IMAX opening day to celebrate Colonel Crook's birthday. Happy birthday, "Skull".

[@walterlopez2115]

This dudes energy has fighter pilot written all over it.

[@robdanley]

Fun Fact: Tom Cruise is actually a very skilled pilot. He flew some of the planes in the latest Top Gun Movie (Not the F-18's). He has flown a wide variety of planes including a P-51 Mustang, and a fighter jet (I think an L-39)

[@bradjackson687]

True story. He has had his Pilots License since 1994.

[@Indarow]

You are definitely my favorite aviation KZbinr reacting to these. Other channels tend to go heavy on the critiques, which ARE very interesting and I like seeing where the film chose to deviate from reality for the story’s purpose, but I love that you have experience beyond just a fighter pilot. (I mean, as if there’s anything else you need beyond FIGHTER PILOT to be badass) Your comments regarding the actors learning aircraft cinematography and directing themselves in the cockpit are something I hadn’t REALLY thought about until you addressed it, and you’re the only person I’ve seen go in depth with it.

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

Hey thanks so much! It was incredible to be the Photo Mission Officer/Pilot for the Thunderbirds! It's really a cool combination of art and science. I will do a full video breakdown of this in the future!

[@709mash]

You got to give them props for doing real G's. Makes the film so much easier to immerse yourself into.

[@tmcnabb78]

Great commentary! Thank you for your service! When Top Gun came out I think we all felt like we could be fighter pilots. So pumped!!

[@VenomShadows305]

I gotta say it: that Schwarzenegger impression was absolutely spot on lol. Keep them videos coming!

[@arunabraham9382]

He even has a legacy to Jim Carry

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

haha thanks! Maybe Arnold should be in Top Gun 3?

[@primemac3dstudio18]

I found this movie to be better than the first one. That is so rare and really pleased with all the actors hard work. You can always tell when the actors are really putting 110% when you forget it is a movie for even a second. You really know the movie is good when you want to see it again lol.

[@xris5697]

I had a call from my son yesterday and told me they are in Guam for a port call on their aircraft carrier. He said they rented a theater to see the Top Gun movie exclusive to all the fighter pilots. I thought it was cool to see these guys enjoying the movie and see how they react. Must be fun I guess.

[@assassinationtheory5386]

when I was a kid I met both the thunderbirds and the blue angels. this was back in the late 80s. they were rock stars to me. they also signed their posters for me. it was awesome

[@HappyDude1]

I just saw the movie And wow its like you are in the plane The camera work and sound was mindblowing Also the story and the actors were amazing

[@richardhoffmann1858]

Hey great video as always! I am an elevator/escalator foreman for NYC subways, I remember seeing the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels fly over Manhattan a couple of years ago. It was a healthcare/essential worker tribute flight during Covid. I was working at the time and you guys flew right over our building, you must have been coming from the Gorge Washington bridge. What a morale boost that was. I'll never forget it. The sight and the sound. Reminded me of my days at El Toro with those F-18s.

[@OhHayFrands]

As a person from MA, thanks for your work. And it’s funny how we see some show of our military and we instinctually feel like “fuck yeah! Geronimo!” Those feelings I’ve gotten in my life are worth more than any drug, just feeling pride in your country and remembering those lost and still fighting brings a tear to the eye.

[@digitalperson108]

This guy is great...The "Garand Thumb" of aviation. Good Stuff!

[@jacobl6714]

If you've ever realized that captain marvel was a recruitment tool for the air force and compared it to shows and movies like Seal Team and Lone Survivor and thought "yeah, I can see why everyone dislikes the AF. I feel like that pile of a movie is more of a recruitment tool for isis than anything" lol go ahead and hit that subscribe button : )

[@yxeaviationphotog]

The whole training program Cruise put together came to be, because of the first Top Gun. Having actors in the cockpit of a Tomcat was the original vision.....but there was nothing done to prepare the actors. Everyone (except for Anthony Edwards), got so sick, none of the cockpit footage was usable. So that original vision comes to fruition in this movie.

[@Daniel-ld7xs]

I like the word fruition haha

[@yxeaviationphotog]

@@Daniel-ld7xs It's spelt correctly. 😂

[@OhHayFrands]

I was under the impression Cruise was able to handle the training as well, and that Val Kilmer admitted he wasn’t a fan of the training but still went in the C-126 with everyone else every time to build relationships

[@yxeaviationphotog]

@@OhHayFrands The only training the actors got was water survival and ejection training. Beyond that, nothing was done to actually prepare the actors for the g-forces and spatial awareness that they would need to properly act while in the aircraft, Cruise got sick on his first ride, but got through his second and third ride with no problem at all. Not sure what a C-126 is, but Kilmer didn't even want to go up in the F-14. So all of the actors flew in the F-14 at least once, except for Kilmer. Should also be noted that Kilmer did not stay at the same hotel as the rest of the cast, as part of him getting into character.....ie: Iceman being standoff-ish. So Cruise took this to heart and put together the training program for the new cast, so that they could get usable footage in the jets.

[@OhHayFrands]

@@yxeaviationphotog sorry about the C-126 reference, I was trying to remember the earlier model designation before the c-130 was introduced. Pretty sure I mixed up the prep that was done for like Apollo 13 and top gun, my bad

[@bookerhousen]

Excellent video. You are very knowledgeable, humble and it is enjoyable to listen to your passion!

[@Slow_Skittle]

This is beyond cool to hear you talk about this, I could listen all day

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

Thanks Ryan! Cool name btw 😎

[@kineticstar]

I did 10 years in the navy and my buddy who is a pilot was so proud of being able to crash on any deck in any weather. We alway had fun when the Airforce pilots got squeamish when they do a carrier landing training. They have a hard time catching the wire because they are looking for more runway.

[@1970HemiCudaRT]

I loved this video, Ryan! I love hearing what's really happening from someone who has been there and done that! OBTW... I dominated that like button!! LOL

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

You 🎸 thanks man!

[@russellsellers1409]

Your Channel is like Afterburner...I wish my dad was still with us to enjoy this...You show great honor to all branches of Aviators...HOO YAH

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

Thanks a ton for that! Means a lot. Wish he was too. Cheers to him and you

[@82drumhead]

You were an E model pilot. That is awesome. I was stationed at Elmendorf AFB from 06 to 09 and worked on C and E models. ( Aircraft Structural Maintenance) We even had a few D models for a bit.

[@lindapowell117]

Jim Powell here. Blue Angels and Thunderbirds are the class of America’s fighter squadrons. As an enlisted man who served in the Navy in an F-4 navy fighter squadron during Vietnam, doing two war time cruises, I am biased on who has the best pilots (drivers) in the world. I respect both services greatly.

[@annstropes2236]

My dad was on the Kitty Hawk during that same period. Thank you for your service.

[@FlywithMagnar]

Great presentation, Ryan! I'm really looking forward to watch the movie.

[@TheFunkhouser]

Real bro, love these! Ex Army Armoured Recon here .. though in a totally diff field can fully understand the things you were stating here. Cheers and mad props!

[@TheSakebomb1]

My uncle was a fighter pilot in the 80s.. he had the goose mustache before goose. I use to wear his blue US Navy windbreaker when I was a kiddo in the 90s. He was stationed in Okinawa, and then ended in Corpus Christi. In Corpus I remember visiting base and sitting in some of the planes on base, he was a LT Commander at that point. He ended as an O6, just like Maverick :)

[@swhitener1000]

Grandfather retired out of Edward's and mom went to school with Yeagers kids. Last movie that really showed what Air Force pilots were all about was hands down The Right Stuff. Yeager taking that F109 out and walking out of the flaming wreckage still gives me chills, and I served in the Army so you know that means something lol. Always a fan of USAF!

[@swhitener1000]

Correction F104

[@bluemarlin8138]

Great movie. Yeager’s F-104 crash really happened, but sadly, it was an actual test flight and just him out joyriding. He was definitely one of the all-time legends though.

[@mikekay3313]

I loved the F-15 generation even as a kid...one of my all time favorite models I built and painted in detail over and over. Great video and thanks!! The F-18 in this movie is so HOT!

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

Couldn't agree more! and thank you!

[@iamjtjoyce]

Nice Video! Us Navy Folk do our primary flight training in the T-6B now. The T-34's were sundowned around 2015.

[@TheNukedNacho]

I’m not a very critical movie… critic. I’m just an average dude who likes watching movies. And, imo, TopGun Maverick was a really really good movie. Maybe one of the best sequels I’ve ever watched. I mean, nearly everything I was expecting from the story happened. I only had one expectation that wasn’t met, and that was a hard humbling moment for Hangman. But he still had his development and his moment. I’d rate it 9.3/10

[@metalgate1979]

As retired USAF myself, (not a pilot but I did chase hurricanes in the belly of a Herc), the Navy owns the movies. However, we'll always have Iron Eagle. Great vid, movie is kick ass.

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

It’s time for a worthy competitor to top gun! Check out my vid Sunday! And your USAF job sounds like it was epic 👍

[@metalgate1979]

@@MaxAfterburnerusa I'm all for a new Iron Eagle! My job did not suck.

[@zhixuanchen9632]

Character development is indeed the essence of what made Top Gun so cool - even when I first watched it when I was 10 - 11 y.o. 27 years ago it changed my perception of what great guys were made of, a stark comparison compared to typical Chinese military movies where its always "one of us vs one of the enemies" with nationalism stickers pasted everywhere.

[@milohajek]

LOVED Top Gun Maverick, The BEST FILM of 2022 (PERIOD).DON'T WAIT, GO SEE IT IN A REAL THEATER!!!

[@TinyDan87]

I feel you brilliantly captured the essence of learning anything with your analogy of things eventually seeming to slow down, but its just your experience meshing through repetition. Awesome reaction vid and kudos for not focusing on the un-realism of the CGI elements.

[@johndoe2621]

As an expert jet flyer I approve this movie

[@GhostvaperYT]

so i cut the finger off my glove so I could feel that mouse button and i dominated the like icon and then.............................my wife went mental "YOUR NEW EXPENSIVE LEATHER GLOVES!" "YOU IDIOT!" - Oh well, life.

[@LilJaq]

Love your energy, and mad respect to your credentials. you're a badass in my book

[@raymondpatrick2918]

Tom Cruise is the best actor to keeping cinematography as real as possible for the audience

[@JeremySoller]

IMHO The best Air Force character development was Stargate SG-1

[@sierracharlie6355]

Love SG-1 love RDA.

[@darylpeterson4626]

Thank you, great video. Former NDI guy, 405th EMS, LAFB, 15's (A-E) and 16's A-D, Block 42's)

[@stephenadkins616]

This movie really highlights all the cool shit the best actors get to do for rolls.

[@mrbpdx]

I can recommend some films featuring the Air Force that had character development similar to Top Gun Maverick. A film from the 1950’s called Strategic Air Command, another from the 1960’s titled A Gathering of Eagles. These are both featuring stories from SAC. Then there is Iron Eagle. Check these films out.

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

Hey thanks!

[@mrbpdx]

@@MaxAfterburnerusa One of the things that Maverick is doing is showing something that showed up in Firebirds, the CW series ‘Valor’ and and the Lifetime series ‘Army Wives’. There is an emphasis on the meme ‘The unit is your family’, you have support for the the new families from more senior members of the unit. Focus on family and group support and the mission, and you have the story. Also, look at some the books by Richard Herman, Stephen Coonts and Luchen Truscott and you will see what I mean.

[@xThatTributeGuyx]

I was also gonna recommend Iron Eagle. I never lived my dream, but that movie made me want to go to the Air Force Academy and become a fighter pilot

[@AK-zj3cb]

Thank him for his service

[@Aditi27]

Wow!! Loved it, thank you for responding to the request so quickly 😊. It was intriguing to understand aviation photography with its nuances, of course the dynamics involved in it are so different than the photography on ground. It must be challenging to click jets flying at 500mph , like a millisecond late & you miss the best picture in the album. Its amazing how active US Military is in collaborating with such ventures & allows to make movies. I always feel militaries must have the highest PR as its the only medium to get more youth joining in, it takes much more than just patriotism. This is my personal opinion. Love your channel 😊❤

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

Thank you for the idea! And I think I'll do a full video on being the Photo Mission Officer for the Thunderbirds, such a fun job!

[@technewsfortechnoobs]

The fact hat you are a former Eagle driver is enough to get me to sub here. When I graduated high school, the first thing I did was enroll in my local AFROTC program because I SPECIFICALLY wanted to fly the Eagle....but then our base commander (who was an Eagle driver himself) told me I wouldn't be able to be the pilot because I had 20/30 vision....but he told me I was more than capable of being the RIO. Now, being the "I know everything" 18 year old I was, I literally asked him "What's a RIO?".....his explanation was very simple: "You saw Top Gun.....Goose. Goose was the RIO." My response was almost immediate. "GOOSE DIED!! I don't wanna be a RIO!!!" Everyone in the room lost it laughing, my CO more than anyone. I left the program that semester. lol

[@bluemarlin8138]

Too bad LASIK didn’t exist yet!

[@technewsfortechnoobs]

From what I have been told, even with Lasik, combat pots still have to have 20/20 or better vision to fly. RIO's don't since they are considered backup pilots and not a primary driver.

[@michaelaguilar2426]

Love your channel Sir! Keep up the great work

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

Hey thanks! Stoked you’re here!

[@MFPRego]

i remember doing my water surviving and not wanting to let go the rope when i was up in the air with the parachute lol We also practiced being dragged by the boat, as to simulate being dragged by the parachute on the water! Hated it lol, i swallowed so much water

[@houssemharrak9060]

I'm really like fighter jets so thanks for the informations you really deserve the best we supporting you 👏👏😎

[@joshmorgod]

Lived the red tails on those trainers.

[@Jonnystone5]

What I found cool to is they actually showed the tunnel vision you described

[@arker5835]

Did you ever have any classes in public speaking? No idea how but by the end of the intro I was subscribed and had liked. XD Good content, man.

[@JJ-Niner]

love the way you describe things, great channel, currently looking forward to watch the movie

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

Thanks for that! Glad you are here 🙌

[@rick467]

The Navy has Top Gun. The Air Force has Iron Eagle. As an AF veteran, I'm embarrassed. 😪

[@jakobwedman2528]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZC3cqCKa8RosJo

[@muh1457]

Iron eagle sounds cool

[@themanwithallthewrongopini3551]

@@muh1457 It’s not, it’s really not.

[@vitor2650]

I would love to see you and CW Lemoine do a video together.

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

That would be cool!

[@scarlettroger1508]

Really fascinating channel, so I subscribed! Looking forward to catching up on your earlier videos.

[@Ariana321]

I laughed way more than I should have at that little mix up at 3:07 lol

[@dblankenship88]

As a USAF Veteran and also someone that lived off Iron Eagle and Top Gun when I was younger I’ll always be a bit upset that my beloved Air Force did not allow Iron Eagle to be made with US Vipers. Most people don’t know that the Vipers in Iron Eagle were Israeli Vipers. The Air Force just doesn’t allow Hollywood on base. Furthermore the general public seems to forget Iron Eagle came out before Top Gun. But, Iron Eagle was low budget and the story was overall ridiculous but when your 6 it’s amazing. Top Gun made me respect the Tomcat, Iron Eagle made me fall in love with the forever sexy Viper. Ironically enough when I joined the Air Force instead of working on Vipers I got stuck with F-15 C/D models and worked on those my entire career. Sill love the Lawn Darts though. Always will.

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

Hey thanks for the comment! I'll do a video down the road on how I think the AF could compete with Top Gun 🙃

[@tonyhaynes9080]

Have you seen any of the Mach Loop videos from Wales? Stonking through Snowdonia at 250, and you have people looking down into your office as you pass them. It's awesome.

[@lilmacc]

Pretty cool I found your channel my aunt was a thunderbird 👍

[@vtwinrenegade]

I'd love to see a video on the final scenes, the battle between the F14 and the Su57

[@ToddSauve]

So Ryan, now I know what humbles a fighter pilot. Sharks in the sea below them as they float down in their parachute! So you folks aren't super-humans after all, eh? Ha, ha! Yes, the thought of being lunch for a hammer head makes us all consider how frail our mortal coil really is! 😮☹️👌😂😎 PS I saw a P51 Mustang in one of those closing shots as it rolled a bit. Must be Tom's own Mustang! What a lucky dog to own a flying WW2 fighter like that!

[@bluemarlin8138]

Just imagine how it was for the WWII pilots who didn’t even get the little raft and had to wait out there for days sometimes! And yeah, pretty sure that’s Tom Cruise’s P-51.

[@ToddSauve]

@@bluemarlin8138 President George Bush got shot down near Chichijima during WW2 and was rescued by a US submarine. A good thing too because the Japanese on that island spent their time eating POWs. 😮🤨

[@joehinojosa8030]

Cool. I can't even ride a Rollercoaster but thanks.

[@totoroutes5389]

🌞 There is already an AirForce version movie, titled “Iron Eagle” (1986).

[@doomwolf7963]

Fighter jet pilots are badass

[@jamescoles2551]

You got a like for how smoothy and bad ass that glove comment was.

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

Hey cheers!

[@Cochegrz]

When I was inn the Navy, we had an Air Force pilot embedded i our fighter squadron (VF-41). As a yeoman, I took care of his log books, updating his flighthours and doind some reports he needed. He took part in sorties to Viet Nam.along with our pilots. He was a pretty cool dude.

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

Awesome thanks for sharing!

[@fortieznoshortiez]

i have thalassaphobia and i just want you to know that your explanation of the sea training terrified me 😂🤣

[@Ron-cz8bt]

Sir, I think I'll go ahead and salute that sub and like button! Thank you very much for giving your life up for our country, risking your life for our freedom. You're correct, it takes all kinds of different personalities to make a super team. My suggestion used to be, don't try to be like 'that' person, just be yourself.

[@optimus888amicus]

Nice flight ! 🌞😉👍

[@VTT09]

I've just found your channel, this is is awesome! I'm in England and hoping to become a pilot in the Military, have you worked with any British pilots in the RAF/ Royal Navy during your time with the USAF?

[@milohajek]

Haha, that speed difference is the same as when driving fast, going 170+ MPH after years of SCCA experience you notice that everything seems to SLOW down and become more manageable.

[@danielbyers9755]

Love to see the Air Force making Red Flag movie. Be so cool.

[@pogo1140]

Word is that the Red Flag movie was a bit cringe worthy 😬

[@andrewcooper5409]

For me, it's really interesting how the UK version of a similiar video os different to what you showcased here on your channel. It's a bit more indepth, lots more talking. But I love how informative your videos are and how they bring an amazing insight on what none, aviasion, people might miss!

[@thedailymindset]

Nice video Ryan. Looking forward to your video of the Air Force T7 trainer.

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

Hey thanks! Coming soon!

[@malice1s1k90]

Ah the helo dunker... good times. Thanks Pensacola lol

[@sierracharlie6355]

I’m so cross with myself that I am no longer able to leave the house. So will have to wait til it becomes available on disc. I hope this movie is brilliant and you really enjoyed it.

[@robinwilson2238]

I've enjoyed my time in you're class!

[@VKumar-by2jt]

Great video mate. Love that cockpit shot in the background. French have made some good films too. Would love to c a video on Sky Fighters, The majestic Mirage-2000. Look forward. Dominating😉

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

Yo! Thanks for dominating! And for the great comment

[@pogo1140]

For a movie, I want to see "Richard Herman's "the Warbirds" series, or "Thud Ridge", "at Yankee Station", or a "Red Storm Rising" mini series.

[@davecirelli2902]

Forget the movie, YOU are awesome!

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

Dave, thanks man! Stoked to have you here 👍👍

[@donsemo4804]

Character development is very important in films. Star Wars The New Hope, is an execllent example of that.

[@samuelplacensia9979]

You should review the final countdown it’s one of my absolute favorite aviation movies. If you haven’t seen it you should watch it it’s a fantastic movie.

[@benjamintodd664]

Curious what your callsign was back in the day... These are always my fav stories to hear from fighter guys.

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

Gotta watch my callsign video for that!

[@benjamintodd664]

@@MaxAfterburnerusa ooh can't wait!

[@arcticchihuahua6513]

Can’t wait for your review/breakdown of the ful when it comes out in May

[@dustinabbas]

When you flew did you have to carry a belt cutter just incase of tangle?

[@SCVIndy]

Appreciate the insights ..

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

Thanks!

[@roamingeek1129]

Thunderchicken's of the world unite!

[@equalityforall9902]

Support for your great video.

[@TheWartHawg]

Great vids. USAF Crew Chief here. C-5s out of Dover, but I completed tech school at Sheppard. It was rumored that one of the more difficult things about training on the T38 (sexy beast, btw, but it looks like a lawn dart after working on a Galaxy), was learning take off on the simulator. I heard it was quirkier than most to get in the air. Truth to that?

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

Welcome! Always special to have Crew Chiefs here. C5's had to be a beast to work on! The T38 was def quirky but landings were the tricky part, very unforgiving. Will do a video soon! Great question 🙌

[@TheWartHawg]

@@MaxAfterburnerusa Thank you sir. And I appreciate you taking the time to respond. No better place to learn the lessons of the Parable of Sisyphus than being assigned to a C5. Every time it left the ground you knew what was going to be wrong with it when it came back. The bird I worked on is in the bone yard now (70-465). Makes me a little sad. I enjoy your channel. Keep it up. I'll be looking for that T38 video.

[@swiftyuras1]

I can't wait to see the T7 flying over SA!

[@shoeatic]

Iron Eagle is a guilty pleasure if mine.

[@TC-bj8pu]

Great video! Thank you!!!

[@jgill1064]

Great video, excellent info. Minor slip @ 3:08 but forgivable considering you just spoke about gloves.

[@LinYouToo]

2:48 epic!

[@Thetequilashooter1]

Love your enthusiasm!

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

Hey thanks!

[@matthewennen9311]

Thats cool how you said you wher a air bus pilot so if u quit flying for the miltary can u do that always as en option

[@GavinThomas]

Excellent 👌 keep it going .

[@matthewennen9311]

Wow that water simlation was scary thats why i never could do a navy pilot cause crashing into the water is to scary for me

[@jcfc8197]

As a Aircrewman in the Navy I jumped out of a SH-60 helicopter more times than I can count and not once did I think about sharks in the water. Sharks don’t bother me, I’m more worried about barracudas. Those things are fast and have teeth like piranhas. On a side note Navy don’t have cool decorative flight helmets, they are mostly white, earlier see if you go in the drink and I have to come rescue you.

[@mrackerm5879]

I spent 34 years in the Air Force - spent much of that time around pilots. My opinion on the Air Force, they just don't seem to attract great movie scripts. Every Air Force related movie I have ever seen was rather lame.

[@nsha2011]

Check C.W.Lamoine on the glove thing, those are actual issued items.