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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
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Thank you.
Imagine being that intelligent and skilled!
Nice
Very interesting background and perspective. Thank you for your service.
They did use CGI for some of the movie for the F/A 18 scenes.
Thank you for your service and help in making a Beautiful and patriotic movie that we desperately needed!
My barber cuts the hair of the guy who runs a small airport near me, and I was told that that the p51 was bought and came from said airport, middle of nowhere in the Midwest.
This guy is an awesome example of integrity , brains , and down to Earth humble… I envy his kids.
Great interview with this pilot. I’ve seen the Angels and Thunderbirds in the past and their skill level is incredible. Well done.
I so would've liked to see an interview with Ed Eaton. RIP, hero.
Pretty cool to hear from the Pilot of Tom’s jet. Had to have been stressful hauling a movie star but at least Tom is an experienced pilot himself. Only cost them $11k per hour to use the jets lol. Great movie.
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!
This is a great interview, haven’t seen new Top Gun yet, definitely watching it tonight!
Taking my young boys to next air show in SF!
Good job everyone 😀 I'm very proud of you 😀 keep up the good work 😀
Nice interview
I enlisted in the Army in 2003 and got out in 2017, and I'll be honest – if I was 18 getting ready to join the Army and saw this movie, I would've walked into that Navy recruiter's office instead.
This movie made me wish I could go back in time and change my military service!
My buddy Frank, in NATO, Germany (myself being Greek) 2012-15. Awesome family and needless to say, awesome pilot! Miss you all Weissers! We need to rejoin soon! Love, Akrivos & family
Awesome pilot and person. Great interview.
Star Wars Did It First! 🤷♂️🤣🤣
Back in the day with the F4, the Blue Angels we’re even more insane. 6 F4’s with 12 J79’s turnin and burnin, WILD!
He is definitely a great guy as well as a fantastic fighter pilot.