Top Gun Made Me Want to Be a Pilot

The 1980s brought us some fantastic action movies like “Lethal Weapon” and “Die Hard,” which made movie-goers consider joining the police force.When Tony Scott’s “Top Gun” landed in cinemas across the nation, it was an instant blockbuster, earning over 350 million worldwide according to box office mojo.With the adrenaline-packed scenes the film offers, “Top Gun” audience members of all ages wanted to be the next Maverick.[caption id="attachment_12952" align="aligncenter" width="768"]

Jester’s dead! (Paramount)[/caption]So check out these reasons why the average Joe would want to be the next great “Top Gun” fighter pilot.

1. Getting a kick-ass callsign

Face it — Maverick and Goose are pretty epic names — but be as original as possible if you get to pick yours.https://giphy.com/gifs/3o7btTqWo3tvxNINqw

2. Keeping up with foreign relations

Rarely do allied forces get close to their enemy on the battlefield, but to be inverted while sitting in a cockpit whilst flashing the grand FU gesture — that’s badass.https://giphy.com/gifs/3oKIPaPPGMcoZB5MUE

3. Attracting a hottie

There are many ways to pick up women at a squid bar. If you ever had an issue getting the girl as a civilian, we’ve got a solution: throw on that uniform.Lady pilots, this works for you, too — just make sure you find a man who can appreciate a strong woman.Oh, and don’t forget your wingman.https://giphy.com/gifs/xUA7bcicA7JFTJo7Ru

4. Wear aviator sunglasses

Nothing says “I am awesome” like putting on a blacked-out pair of aviators. This look never gets old.https://giphy.com/gifs/xUA7aUhU18r4A3Wtd6

5. Play shirtless volleyball

With arguably no real reason to be in the movie story-wise, the producers had some of Hollywood’s brightest stars in their film at the time and they took advantage.It’s safe to say that no man, after watching Top Gun, doesn’t think about this scene while playing the popular beach sport.https://giphy.com/gifs/3ohzdFCfAhyDCLrClW

6. Aerial Dogfighting

This is where the real ass kicking takes place. Naval aviators are some of the world’s best at aerial maneuvering to take down the enemy. All jokes aside, the dogfighting scenes are where the real motivation to be a fighter pilot begins.https://youtu.be/uvFc0EPRSI4

7. The theme song

We dare you to listen to this without getting amped or googling “how to become a fighter pilot”.https://youtu.be/ZzQ3eBerHfMCan you think of any other? Comment below and let us know what your call-sign would be.More from We Are The Mighty:Osprey crash shows how dangerous Marine aviation can be5 heroic movie acts a military officer would never do7 kids who joined (even commanded) military units for a day