Secrets of the F-14 Pilot Who Inspired TOP GUN

An in-depth conversation with retired U.S. Navy fighter pilot C.J. "Heater" Heatley about his time as a Top Gun instructor (including several years flying MiG out of Area 51), an extra in the movie "Top Gun," the commanding officer of a Tomcat squadron that developed tactics used in Desert Storm, and the author of the greatest selling coffee table book of all time.
To find out more about Heater's cancer battle and to contribute to his recovery please go to givetaxfree.org/campaigns/squ....
Subscribe to THE MOOCH REPORT (this channel's free weekly behind-the-scenes update) here: eepurl.com/hDfbsj
Support this channel by using the SUPER THANKS (heart icon above) or by becoming a Patron at / wardcarroll
Buy one or all three of the books in the PUNK'S TRILOGY, Ward's popular first three novels about life a Tomcat squadron, at www.usni.org/punks-trilogy-re.... Use the PUNKYT discount code at checkout for 25% off to KZbin channel subscribers.
Also available in KINDLE format here: www.amazon.com/dp/B09R1MX8SY
And as an audiobook here:
PUNK'S WAR: www.audible.com/pd/Punks-War-...
PUNK'S WING: www.amazon.com/Punks-Wing-Pun...
PUNK'S FIGHT: www.amazon.com/Punks-Fight-Pu...
Get official channel gear at my-store-b7f9c9.creator-sprin...

[@crashburn3292]

Imagine being able to say, "I used to fly a MIG 21 at Area 51."

[@patrickgreen2361]

I was thinking the same exact thing. Maybe 10 guys to have had the honor. Amazing stuff.

[@erievon1]

Or the opposite....to NOT be able to say it while it was happening.

[@Heater4477]

That’s right. My wife, relatives friends had no idea why we were really in Las Vegas. The Red Eagle pilots wore the 64th or 65th Aggressor flight suits and flew with the aggressors once a week to maintain our cover. It was classified for 26 years so we could not speak of it all that time except in a classified setting with someone who was already “briefed in.” Even the families of Red Eagle pilots who died in mishaps did not know until 26 years later.

[@timcroston8860]

@@Heater4477Thank you for your service, sir. It was an honor and a privilege to listen to your story, and will add a new dimension to the film for me.

[@donrostron1269]

@@Heater4477 My father was in TOPGUN with you in the late 70's very early 80's for him. I was always a huge fan of the cutting edge. I introduced it to many other military brats in my childhood and still own my original book. I met you as a small boy in what I believe was the VF-126 (aggressor squadron) hanger at Miramar. Then I was a tiger on the Ranger in '82, with VF-1 also aboard. I wondered if you were there as well? In the movie I picked you out several times right away the first time I watched it. Thank you telling these stories, you bring back many great memories. And thank you Mooch for having him on!

[@jimsrealestate]

I was a C-130 Guy From Clark Air Base Philippines That Brought a MIG-19 Back from the Far East in the Back of Our Plane to Nellis Air Base and Delivered It To the Box in 1975!

[@michaeljohn8905]

I would be really interested in hearing more about that. I am in A&P in general Aviation in Atlanta. KLZU IF YOU’RE INTERESTED. I love any military history, especially if it’s Aviation based I work in the general Aviation Field I am A student pilot at 49 😂 I just never had the money or I had too many eye operations to make it to the Navy but I finally made it to where I wanted to be. Now I’m trying to get my commercial ticket but I would love nothing more than to work for the military (as a subcontractor) and work on military aviation. It’s my dream. I love what I do now but I’d love it even more if it was military aviation. Anyhoo kudos to you boys. Love these videos and the reply’s. I love my community. Much ❤from KLZU . MIKE MCNUTTS ! A&P and GA STUDENT 250 hours pic.

[@matthewsharp544]

Very cool and different times. Today it a nice international airport.

[@ronnieam33]

I was in VF-1 (Wolfpack) at NAS Miramar from 1989 to 1993 and remember hearing stories about this pilot "Heater" and it seems the legend is real!! Awesome stories!!

[@mountcomfort740]

TY for your service

[@rogfromthegarage8158]

What an absolute treat is is to hear these stories from the men who actually lived the lives so many of us only dreamed of living. Thanks, Mooch.

[@WardCarroll]

Thanks for watching, Rog.

[@Iabrams3985]

I’ve had the privilege of meeting Heater on LinkedIn and we corresponded a bit. This discussion between Ward and Heater is exceptional-in content and in its absolutely first-class production. Fly Navy!

[@Farweasel]

It not that what's said isn't true .... Its true BUT *Its incomplete* Go back to the early 1970s. US Navy Flying is in a state of angst. F4 Phantoms should be the kings of the air. But over Vietnam F-8s are achieving way better kill ratios while F4 struggle to survive. Back in Florida they practice ..... and the F8s are routinely mauling the F4s This is because of the way they are flown (in accord apparently with the McDonalld Douglas builder's guidance) Enter the British Royal Navy's last 'proper' carrier Ark Royal She carries Phantoms, Bucs & Gannets. The purpose is to train together with the USN fliers so they run competitive CAPs. Suddenly the F8 guys are astonished - Near certain kills on F4s suddenly see the F4 vanished. The Brits have been developing their own IAW techniques and are using their Phantoms quite differently. Suddenly the Turkey stars of the Turkey shoot are fighting back and matching the F8s "How do you do that" ? Ask the USN fliers Long story short, an RN IAW expert (I think his name might have been MacDonald too) is loaned to explain theory and techniques the RN use which contradict the US models. RN writes a 'how to' guide And the USN instructors working with him pick it up and run with what becomes the theory blueprint for Top Gun flyers.

[@rogfromthegarage8158]

@@Farweasel wow, what a download of info. Sounds like you have insider information. Please explain yourself. I'm intrigued.

[@Farweasel]

@@rogfromthegarage8158 Probably the best 'self-contained' source is the Book 'Phoenix Squadron' by Roland Wright ... Its the history of the final years of HMS Ark Royal & her Air Squadrons.

[@hefeibao]

Incredible human being. His photos brought the world of Naval Aviation to life, and his interviews with this fellow pilots made it more than a book to look at, but one to read. If you don't have a copy of this book, it's certainly recommended. I ended up buying several, as my kids wore out one of them.

[@vincentmazzola7230]

TV vvl

[@andreperrault5393]

I have an original printing of his book

[@michaellaloli4156]

@@vincentmazzola7230😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😊❤😊😊😊

[@robot336]

You can tell this guy is MENSA level smart , he's that guy

[@robertokangaroux3868]

Mr. Ward Carroll, congratulations on the amazing interview with C.J. 'Heater' Heatley III, Captain USN (Ret.). It was sensational to hear both of you - the former Grumman F-14 Tomcat Pilot and you, as a former Grumman F-14 Tomcat Radar Intercept Officer (RIO), during the interview. I thoroughly enjoyed the discussion, Sir. Have a great weekend to all! Roberto “Kanga” Roux 👍😀

[@KutWrite]

Kanga, you get a thumb-up just for your awesome callsign!

[@HeatleyBros]

That’s My Uncle!! American Hero!!

[@andrewskokna9760]

From a former marine infantryman, I have the utmost perspective for these gentlemen. God bless them 🙏

[@rhondaeverett8284]

Amen!

[@esso5150]

Ooh Rah!

[@lftysmit]

Ward, I have never been so “into” an interview as I just was watching this with Heater. The 50 minute interview seemed like 5 with the amount of awesome topics and detail it almost sounded like fiction. You have to do another interview with this man, to have two F-14 icons sit down and talk shop or about once in a lifetime experiences, we all want to hear more!!! I still have Heater’s book, had to buy a second after the first one literally fell apart from having it from the 80’s. As former ball player it’s cool to see a picture of Heater delivering a pitch, and to top it all, he’s a Southpaw!!!! Everyone is born right handed, only the gifted overcome it 😉 Thanks again Ward for making this, best show yet. Keep battling Heater, keep on firing those fastballs and you’ll strike out cancer.

[@ronalddagostino3674]

Me too! for both interview and 2 pilot shop talk!! Clicked on before reading the time length and could not click off!! The pilot looked Super Cool just like Tom Cruise only taller, like maybe 6'2" or so. Pretty funny! When I read below about the cancer, I was struck hard, as though we'd been friends for years, rather than minutes. And then to hear his Musculo-skeletal system is rotting, the very ugly truth, I cried out stricken, actually.! Heater, may God bless you and keep you.

[@cturdo]

The Cutting Edge was one of my early inspirations to get into aviation. Thank you for your service and influence on at least two generations of aviators! Heater is a national treasure.

[@artbyaric]

I was a Plane Captain in VF-1 when Heater was there. We are both 6'2", and I remember hopping up in the cockpit one day after he hopped out. He had the rudder peddles cranked up so tight that it was uncomfortable for me. I remember asking him why he did that. Without missing a beat, he said "if you get comfortable, you die". One of the best pilots I ever knew.

[@richardbryant5258]

Great interview Mouch! I was a CAG LSO in CVW2 with Bug Roach on Kitty Hawk ’84 WESTPAC, and Heater was a Depy Hd in VF-1. On a really bad night with the deck pitching, I was running MOVLAS when Heater broke out really high and left. Had to talk him down to pick him up with the MOVLAS and got him onto a 3/4 wire (don’t remember which). Gave him an OK because he followed my calls and MOVLAS control perfectly. Caught some flak from others for that, but he did exactly what I asked him to do. During the debrief he thanked me profusely and humbly for the help to get him aboard. Class guy all the way. Hope he comes through his current medical issues OK. Again, great job on the interview! Rich ‘Mink” Bryant

[@Heater4477]

I remember that Mink.The pitching deck made me look high, low, left and right so I had to trust you and your calls. Great job! 👍

[@kevinshires1548]

Great story Mr Mink Bryant.....I went to High school with Dale Snodgrass sister Marsha & Marylou.....as Dale was.... the entire family all great swimmers....oldest sister Don won a east coast surfing contest. Dale was home think summer 86 or 87 at Barrett Beach FI and he told me all about his flying...day landing night landing....!! Carrier Pilots challenges were incredible....thank you for your service. Kevin

[@brianrmc1963]

I started Navy Flight School the week the movie “Top Gun” came out. I had the book on my table. I knew about Constant Peg, but I never knew about Top Gun instructors flying MiGs. 😎 I also remember reading the magazine article in the Sunday LA Times.

[@VNAV_PTH]

Fantastic. For me, the 80s was great. I was young and everything felt easy and straightforward. Not a single dark cloud on the sky. That's how I remember it. Who else loved the 80s?

[@disabledveteranspac7432]

Two words sum up the '80s. Ronald Reagan

[@joellocklear6553]

No dark clouds

[@u26fo]

Truly inspirational figure - The Cutting Edge is my favourite book I own, some of the greatest aviation photographs ever taken. Wishing Heater all the best in his recovery.

[@cptdavidwebb]

That was awesome. My brother bought me that book in 86. I still have it and I still look at it in awe after all these years. great video.

[@Andrew-13579]

I saw that book at Costco (or maybe it was Price Club back then), back in about 86...had to have it. Back in the late 70s and early 80s, I'd watch those jets fly over my home every day after school, as they'd arc over Santee, CA (east of Miramar) on transition from about 11,000 into final descent for the overhead approach to Runways 24. But I'd watch them through a tripod-mounted 40x Sears telescope so I could see the colors, the camouflage, sometimes the nose numbers and even the color of the pilots' helmets. I got good at acquiring them and tracking them by hand with the telescope.

[@pasadenaphil8804]

Now I understand why the Top Gun scene where the jets were zipping through the canyons as they approached the target looked so much like the Death Star scene on the original Star Wars. It was the ultimate "Star Wars on Earth" scene. This was an incredibly interesting interview on so many levels. Even the inside lingo didn't trip me up (I'm not a veteran and have no experience flying).

[@chrisdavis6374]

That star wars skit was a straightn steal from the dam busters for final approach to the Ada and Mohne dams someone did a full KZbin on it

[@Indiskret1]

This channel is certainly something very special. Mere words can't describe how great this episode and interview was, especially for a Top Gun nutcase like me. 🙏

[@marcosavila8215]

thank you Mr C.J. "Heater" for your service!!! here in Portugal-Azores we thank you

[@lancet.346]

I love those jump cuts when Heater is talking about the MTV-style nature of Top Gun.

[@edurbansky]

Home Run Mooch and Heater is a class act.

[@rhondaeverett8284]

Ive been subbed to Ward forever and dont know how the heck i didnt see this interview until tonight! Glad i scrolled back thru his vids an found it!!! Top notch!!!

[@talltaleswithtacobell]

This is awesome Mooch and glad you were able to get Heater on the show!! Semper Fi Taco

[@rhondaeverett8284]

For some reason youre comment led to me checkin out your channel, i sure feel blessed that i did. Great content! New sub. My uncle "Stormy" was Navy so that led me to subbing to "Mooch" awhile back. 🤗

[@karlbrundage7472]

I purchased my copy of "The Cutting Edge" in the Navy Exchange Book Store on Guam in 1989 (I Think). It still has an honored place in my bookcase. I'd love to have the opportunity to get it signed......................

[@prairieschooner2599]

The movie that put me and undoubtedly many other enlisted in the Navy. Twenty years as a maintainer, a fine chunk of it on the F-14 platform, this interview had me pinned to the monitor grinning like a kid, just like Top Gun did so many years ago. Thanks you two! Hooyah! ⚓️🇺🇸

[@richardangelini7296]

I was on the ""other side" of the Navy (under water)" . Really enjoying these discussions about what it was like to be "topside" . Shout out to NAS Oceana .

[@jamescatrett2608]

OUTSTANDING JOB, Ward!! BZ! Your Paul Harver "The Rest of the Story" interview style helps bring out the best of the subject of Heater's Tomcat / Nav Air photography (that over the shoulder shot) that morphs into two Hollywood movies. His Naval Aviation career / experience speaks for itself and documented in his photos. Thanks for your hard work getting this interview completed.

[@MartinMCade]

"They're only going to be gone 15 minutes, how did I get 8 beer bottles in front of me?" My 25-year-old Navy JO self: "Challenge accepted!"

[@WardCarroll]

😂

[@paulleonard1671]

Still got the book to this day kept it in good condition priceless just like Heater and the F14 legacy.

[@tjm7275]

Omg great interview.. fun fact: as a youth I had the Cutting Edge. This was very early 90’s and I wrote a letter to Heater telling him how much I loved it. I sent it to his editor and forgot about it.. sometime later I got a card in the mail. It was an F-14 launching off the boat and Heater had written me thanking me. Talk about cool… he also came to theOld Rhinebeck Aerodrome once. He had an accident but obviously was ok. Such a great dude loved this interview. I’m looking for that book now..😃

[@CharlesShopsin]

That’s so cool

[@tjm7275]

@@CharlesShopsin for a kid in a time with no internet it was amazing. I think he said they were deployed at the time but he took his time to send me a card. I also had the blown up picture of the the two Cats in the break

[@rhondaeverett8284]

Wow what a beautiful story!!!

[@reggierico]

I went to US Air Force Pilot Training, UPT, in March of 1986. The first Top Gun movie was very recently released, and at the absolute forefront of our class's enthusiasm and mind set. In fact, my first two VHS tapes were Top Gun and Dr. Strangelove. Nearly 38 years ago. Time flys when you're having the time of your life flying around the world. Thanks for the great post, Ward. I bought Heater's Cutting Edge book decades ago, when I was still on active duty. He is the best!

[@elliottsmith7855]

Added this book to my extensive collection in 1990. Still prized!! Real pleasure watching the interview....Thanks

[@JM-iy6wm]

Just found your channel, one of the best. I am a 72 yr old marine Nam vet who really appreciate the navy from your corps to pilots who both caved my ads many times. Thank you for you service and GOD BLESS YOU AND THE UNITED STSTES NAVY

[@justinmark1737]

Awesome!! Well said. Thank you for your service.

[@JM-iy6wm]

I should use spell check , bad eyes

[@bizzfo]

The photos need to be remastered and the book released again! Please!

[@Mariner311]

Jeez, we are OLD. Went through Aircrew and SAR in Pensacola when Top Gun came out, Cutting Edge was on my barracks carrel, and we made a cheesy video of Top Fin.

[@johnj861]

Mooch, great to see more Tomcat content. I have a signed copy of The Cutting Edge from Heater. Nice backdrop too, had to check my log book and found I have 6 flights in 162591 as a VF-124 RAG student in 1987. --Vapor

[@robertbenson9797]

Great video! Heater, “ With you, MIZZOU!”

[@mikebridges20]

Oh My Gosh, it's Heater! The Cutting Edge and Keith Ferris paintings were always inspiring books to go look through at our library at General Dynamics during lunch breaks. What a story told; thanks Mooch!

[@malekodesouza7255]

What a humble professional pilot and person.

[@timmeh298]

Mooch, thanks for posting this! My dad got "The Cutting Edge" for Christmas in either '86 or '87. Between that and growing up in Pensacola, it gave me a lifelong passion for Naval Aviation and the Tomcat in particular. In the intro of the book, Heater mentions the fact that his brother (Harry) was a helicopter pilot in the Navy. Fast forward to 2005ish and we hire Harry as a pilot for our aviation unit at the Escambia County Sheriff's Office and I spent the next 3-4 years flying with him there. Never got to meet Heater, but heard plenty of stories about him and both of their careers. Couple of really cool guys with amazing careers and it was truly an honor to be able to fly with him.

[@michaelpatterson3379]

Possibly one of the best episodes ever.

[@billjamison2877]

Great story Ward! He's an incredible man. I'm really glad he was on our side!!

[@DeereX748]

This has got to be one of the all-time best interviews you've done, Ward, and I am not disparaging anyone who came before it. It's a video that evokes the same "WOW" or "Holy Shit" feeling those Top Gun pilots had when they saw they were up against a real MiG. Heater is the Real Deal in a half-dozen different ways.

[@phillipbartowsky2979]

Massive Respect. For you both.

[@davidjames7382]

The "Mooch" report is always spot on.

[@TastierBackInThe80s]

I remember the night I saw Top Gun. It was in a rural cinema, a pokey little building that was converted with seating and a screen. Had to sit nearly right up close to the screen. All action and dog fighting scenes were visual full on, but luckily the building had good acoustics and sound system. It was a real experience. Thanks for sharing all this Tomcat goodness Ward!

[@James-kk8dw]

Fantastic interview. Hard to beat listening to two old friends talking about old times.

[@jackwalker9492]

SALUTE! Retired Infantry for 27yrs and contractor after that. Overseas a long time but you guys really earn that Salute. I wish you both the best

[@jackwalker9492]

Thank you all for the kind likes etc-

[@paulvanthomme3209]

I purchased his book when it first came out while I worked at Grumman. Those photos are just incredible.

[@antoinechristopherofficial]

This is by far the best in-depth interview I’ve ever seen, big THANK YOU!!🙏🏾😊

[@byronjaffe518]

“Good enough is not Good enough”! Great interview

[@RobertEricJenkins]

What a life!!! Every minute of this interview is FASCINATING

[@RobertEricJenkins]

@Ward Carroll, as a kid, I wore out my vhs copy of top gun because I watched it so many times…that movie’s cinematography and color palette has had a profound influence on my imagination and work as a filmmaker…I knew Top Gun was inspired by a magazine article, but to learn about Heater’s incredible career and the fact that his photography style directly inspired tony Scott’s directing was mind blowing. I had no idea I owe so much of my own creative style to Heater’s photography portfolio. Some of the shots in top gun are among the most striking, colorful and powerful imagery in cinema. Thanks again for the upload!

[@glenhilton4636]

I live in Australia and I bought Heaters book in 1987 - which I still have! . I remember Heater was on his last cruise and had arrived in Fremantle - I was still in High School with the dream of being a fighter pilot. I visted the ship - USS Ranger?? I think it was, found out where he was staying and rang his hotel! haha I got to speak to him on the phone to ask him to sign my book!! Unfortuntely I was too far away with no car to get to him. I remember he was really suprised that someone had gone to that effort and he was super excited and very polite. I will never forget it. To see this video - I became very emotional. What an absolute first class gentleman and I was absolutely gutted I never got to meet him. I didnt get into the airforce (as I needed glasses) but became an airline pilot with over 12,000hrs instead. I love this channel - thankyou Ward.

[@WardCarroll]

Great story, Glen. Thanks.

[@waynefletcher9884]

Man o Man Mooch! You outdid yourself yet again! Amazing bio regarding another most intriguing backstory of Top-Gun! I was a Corporal stationed at KMCAS Hawaii when the first Top-Gun Movie came out! Semper Fi! Rah!

[@grantberardi5080]

That was possibly the best and most interesting interview I have ever seen!! What an amazing career. Thank you for your service and I'm sure you inspired many past, present, and future aviators! Thanks Ward, best 50 minutes I've had in a long time!!!

[@LClarke]

One of your best, most engaging interviews yet. Long overdue!

[@rElliot09]

Heater is one of the reasons I became a Naval Aviator, his book was my treasure.

[@superfast30]

WOW! What a story and what an incredible guy. He looks exactly how you'd expect for a fighter pilot from that era to look like. From being a Top Gun pilot to his pictures spawning the idea for the movie. The fact that he(an extra in Top Gun) was an actual Top Gun instructor while the main actors played the role of one is hilarious. Congratulations on the interview and thank you both for your service. Im glad Heater was on our side!

[@georgetincher7859]

I've read numerous books from the 1980s about the Top Gun school and naval aviation. "Heater" was mentioned in all of them. And the message was consistent ----- in the sky, this man was regarded by pretty much everyone as the finest fighter pilot of his era in the U.S. Navy.

[@vxe6vxe6]

Thank you Mooch, Thank you Heater!

[@user-kq6xf4om3l]

The only place I stay glued to the screen for 50min. Thanks.

[@fleetwarrior75]

This was your best interview Ward, Bravo Zulu.

[@markanderson5077]

Another great interview. What a story. Thanks, Ward.

[@erikhemmingsson1188]

I remember seeing The cutting edge in a small obscure bookshop in Stockholm, Sweden, as a young teenager in the late 80s, and being really blown away by that photo, surely one of the most iconic in all aviation.

[@JackWaldbewohner]

Finally, someone tells about Area 51! A great interview!!!!

[@jonschreiber4012]

Last time I saw Heater was during a Mens Senior Baseball game in Northern VA near DC in the late 90's He started me off with a curve that byckled my knees next pitch was a heater. He did sign a book for me in the RAG which was a treasured gift for my Dad. Good guy.

[@Heater4477]

That’s when I still had a “heater.” Four rotator cuff surgeries later and 15 mph off my fastball I had to throw a lot more junk to compete at that level. 😜

[@cyclone3711]

I have his book! I grew up with those photos!! I need him to sign my book and I have so many questions! When I heard it was him I knew his name instantly. It is the greatest coffee table book and I spent many hours looking at his photos... not such a wasted youth after all.

[@ianclaproth3675]

A superb book. I've had my copy for decades. One of my treasures; something that I will give to someone one day, so that they can smile and remember my passions.

[@AaronMal1978]

I was 8 when I first saw Top Gun...even then I noticed the guy leering over Maverick's shoulder. I had always assumed he was actually in the Navy because he resembled "the look" of officers in my Dad's Cruise Book from the Kennedy. It's awesome to finally get to know the man behind the legend.

[@allengeringer574]

0:55 I thought he was busting Mooch's chop's for a second there 😂

[@reggieziet]

The line he says at 09:40 is the coolest you can casually say; "That was the greatest part, I either took a T-38, an F-5, sometimes a F-4, and sometimes a communter plane". Just to get to your work. Cool as Ice(man)

[@JHillNC]

I LOVE this episode! Heater is an absolute legend and I loved hearing about his photography and fighter pilot exploits. Thanks for such a satisfying watch!

[@O.Shawabkeh]

What a special interview. The direction, vibe and humbleness of you both is motivating and inspiring.

[@maximilliancunningham6091]

People forget about the F-14 lifting body attribute, it has the effect of a 3rd wing.

[@colleenmonfross4283]

What an interesting and multi-talented man!

[@danpatton3891]

Great interview! I was an Avionics tech with VMFA-333 (Trip Trey) on a Det to Top Gun at Miramar in Jan.1980. I loved Miramar and the San Diego area.

[@bearowen5480]

Trip Trey....one of the Marine Corps' most iconic squadrons!

[@cypilotiowan4761]

Some Sunday morning Ward. Wayyyy better than the opiate of the masses.

[@carriecarroll3593]

A legend!

[@skyd8726]

Heater! The legend himself! Frikkin' awesome interview & superb to hear how The Cutting Edge came about. I bought the book back in '88 & it simply bowls the reader over. Pure aviation pornography. Bravo Zulu guys!

[@ryanflyhigh36]

Just awesome… Iconic I was 3yrs old when the movie was made and as wide-eyed wonderer of child, the ‘Top Gun’ movie will ALWAYS hold a special place in my soul. It was a apart of my childhood…

[@georgesykes394]

Another addition to the Mt. Rushmore of Tomcat greatness.

[@dutchholland6928]

Wow! Heater Heatley! His photographs/coffee table book and many articles I read with him in them played a HEAVY inspiration to me becoming a military pilot. I owe a ton to that man. I’ll contribute what I can.

[@Max-prime1212]

I just bought the Cutting Edge. On Amazon. Got the last one. Can't wait for it.

[@jwaller1327]

Wow! I got two of his books for Christmas one year, the Cutting Edge and the other one about Marine aviation, Forged in Steel. I loved those books!

[@HabitualButtonPusher]

I still have my The Cutting Edge book. It’s a treasured memento.

[@OldNavyGuy]

I still have Heater’s book The Cutting Edge. One of the reasons I stayed for a career as a Navy carrier pilot.

[@jasonmitchell5392]

That was incredible 😃

[@vmpgsc]

Legendary interview of a legendary dude. Thanks to both Mooch and Heater for an outstanding video.

[@bobwampler3387]

Really amazing and inspiring gentleman.

[@ColdWarAviator]

I like that his C.O. wanted to fight all of his pilots. THIS was a FOOLPROOF way to know the abilities of the aviators on his boat.

[@saibot20194]

What a legend, I saw every minute of it, a trully remarkable guy. my best wishes for him and for his recovery.

[@johnconover52]

Hooyah Ward-a legend

[@erniehappala8488]

There are two KZbin channels that I recommend to everyone, Ward Carroll and Rick Beato, the passion and information that is passed on is simply AMAZING.

[@Baltimorons762]

I had a copy of The Cutting Edge growing up and it is still one of the best collections of av photos to this day.

[@MickyMonday]

Thumbs up if you think this is Ward's best video......

[@benjaminperez7328]

I give the SLIGHT edge to the “Ward’s Dad” video. 🤏🏽

[@ConradHauserMD]

Can you imgaine how different the world would be if Heater purused a MiLB career? Never knew that part of his story. Great Stuff Ward!!!

[@Tonpilot]

Around the 50 min mark as Mooch was signing off, Heater gave a look and turned his head which reminds me of the same look in Top Gun when he stood behind Maverick!

[@douglasbudde6445]

Thoroughly enjoyed this interview. 50 minutes of respite and as always with your vids, learned a thing or two in the process. Thanks, Ward.

[@F1114754]

Great interview with Heater. I saw the reference to Top Gun but did not realize who he was until you showed the great photo he took looking out the back of an F-14. I went right to my office and pulled my copy of "The Cutting Edge" that I have had since the 80's. What an experience to be involved with the movie Top Gun. We may even have crossed paths as I was based at Nellis AFB from 1973 to 1975 as an F-111 crew chief when he was flying Mig aggressors. Love your site Ward, all the best.

[@TheForbinExperiment]

I’ve been waiting for this one. Heater’s “Cutting Edge” was a prized possession as a teenager, and it’s great to see my boys flicking through it to this day. Thanks for the great shots Heater!

[@greggirons67]

I remeber meeting Heater at i believe the 1985 NAS Miramar airshow... He was very nice back then, i rember telling him i put the decals of his name on an F-4J model ... I have both The Cutting Edge and Forged in Steel, two absolutely wonderful books ... I was gifted The Cutting Edge the year it was released ... Thank You Ward and Thank you Heater for Your Service to our Country ... -Gregg

[@cavemanbum]

OMG, I was mesmerized by Heater's photos WAY back when I was a teenager in the mid-1980s. His coffee table books and calendars were legendary!