What Did 'Top Gun: Maverick' Teach Me?

"Don't think, just do."
​-Maverick 'Top Gun'

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In honor of the newest 'Top Gun' movie that came out last Friday, I thought I would make an equivalent to a part two of the movie review. This show is so inspiring to people of all ages and all interests. As a future pilot I can say that this film has many inspiring scenes within it. Inside movies there is always an epiphany, or a moment that is really inspiring. Honestly, the whole movie was very inspiring to me. However, there are a few select parts that really hit home for me. 

​In my movie review I mentioned specifically how a female pilot was included. Phoenix, an amazing female pilot, takes and shows her talents in the sky as she helps Maverick and crew accomplish a seemingly impossible mission. Will they succeed? Find out by watching the movie. As a future female pilot, the fact that she was added really helped me connect the the film. Inspiring shows always have a part that inspires the viewer. I can not really put into words how grateful I am that they added a female pilot into this new box office hit. Being able to actually see a female pilot in a film is beyond amazing, and seeing one in real life is even more amazing. I never thought that doing something so simple would make me so happy, but it did. Looking back on this film, it really helped open my eyes towards the movement of aviation. Aviation is moving towards accepting more females, which is beyond amazing. 'Top Gun' shows that women can indeed fly the friendly skies as well. 

They always say that the greatest movies have the greatest quotes. While that is true, actions are always bigger than words -at least that is what I live by. My personal favorite aspect of the film was the planes. Aside from these agile flying birds, the words that were said really hit the spot. "Don't think, just do" is what Maverick, other wise known as Lieutenant Pete Mitchell, said while flying his jet. How inspiring is this simple quote? Well, it was short, sweet, and to the point. When traveling throughout life it is so important to live to the fullest. As a pilot it is critical to make decisions in a through manner. Maverick certainly puts that fuel in inspiration. 

Avgas is certainly important in flying, but what about attitude? 'Top Gun: Maverick' seemingly teaches the concept and the importance of camaraderie. The characters have ups and downs that teaches us that being amiable and sympathetic will get us very far. It is evident that the point of getting motivation is surrounding oneself with people who will lift up. Having fun, being present, and doing what is loved is certainly the only way to live a positive life. Throughout the movie it is evident that the characters learn that behaviour, attitude, and actions are everything. Nothing affects outcomes more than those three things. Honestly, it is interesting to think about how a film can teach something so well. On the other hand, this box office hit really did it. 

Aviation gurus all over the world have been so inspired by the first film. However, this second one really just hit differently. Maybe it was all of the planes, maybe it was the words that were said, maybe it was the actions that were performed, or maybe it was even the lessons learned. As a future pilot I can take a stance and proudly say that this film is one to watch -it is one for the human that appreciates the sky, the sound of jet engines, and the several life lessons to be learned. As Maverick said, "Someone's not coming back from this." Indeed that is so with this film -once your eyes have visually seen, your ears have really heard, and your heart has really felt this film, there is really no sense in leaving the awe.