Maverick is a hot pilot. When he encounters a pair of MiGs over the Persian Gulf, his wingman is clearly outflown and freaks. On almost no fuel, Maverick is able to talk him back down to the Carrier. When his wingman turns in his wings, Maverick is moved up in the standings and sent to the Top Gun Naval Flying School. There he fights the attitudes of the other pilots and an old story of his father's death in combat that killed others due to his father's error. Maverick struggles to be the best pilot, stepping on the toes of his other students and in a different way to Charlie, a civilian instructor to whom he is strongly attracted.

Val Kilmer did not want to be in this film, but was forced to by contractual obligations.

Iceman:
You two really are cowboys.


Maverick:
What's your problem, Kazanski?


Iceman:
You're everyone's problem. That's because every time you go up in the air, you're unsafe. I don't like you because you're dangerous.


Maverick:
That's right! Ice... man. I am dangerous.

Continuity: Stinger's ribbons on his chest.

By Giorgio Moroder & Tom Whitlock
Performed by Kenny Loggins
Produced by Giorgio Moroder
Kenny Loggins courtesy of CBS Records