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Topgun Days: Dogfighting, Cheating Death, and Hollywood Glory as one of America's Best Fighter Jocks
Dave Baranek (callsign "Bio") was one of 451 young men to receive his Wings of Gold in 1980 as a naval flight officer. Four years later, seasoned by intense training and deployments in the tense confrontations of the cold war, he became the only one of that initial group to rise to become an instructor at the navy's elite Fighter Weapons School. As a Topgun instructor, Bio was responsible for teaching the navy's and Marine Corps's best fighter pilots how to be even better. He schooled them in the classroom and then went head-to-head with them in the skies.
Then, in August 1985, Bio was assigned to combine his day-to-day flight duties with participation in a Pentagon-blessed project to film action footage for a major Hollywood movie focusing on the lives, loves, heartbreaks, and triumphs of young fighter pilots: Top Gun.
Bio soon found himself riding in limousines to attend gala premieres, and being singled out by giggling teenagers and awed schoolboys who recognized the name "Topgun" on his T-shirts. The book ends with his reflections on his career as a skilled naval aviator and his enduring love of flight.
Then, in August 1985, Bio was assigned to combine his day-to-day flight duties with participation in a Pentagon-blessed project to film action footage for a major Hollywood movie focusing on the lives, loves, heartbreaks, and triumphs of young fighter pilots: Top Gun.
Bio soon found himself riding in limousines to attend gala premieres, and being singled out by giggling teenagers and awed schoolboys who recognized the name "Topgun" on his T-shirts. The book ends with his reflections on his career as a skilled naval aviator and his enduring love of flight.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
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343 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
December 10, 2014
Dave Baranek joined the US Navy in the early eighties, becoming a RIO (Radar Intercept Officer) on the mighty F-14 Tomcat air superiority fighter. This is his account of his days on deployment and as a Navy Fighter Weapons School (Topgun) instructor. He was involved in the making of the famous film as a technical consultant, providing assistance with dialogue and during filming of the air combat scenes.
For anyone even vaguely interested in aviation, this should be an interesting read. For me, the details of radar intercepts, flying off a carrier, and how Topgun operated back then were pure gold. I was fifteen when Top Gun came out and it made a huge impression on me, helping to stoke a budding love of aviation that hasn't abated three decades later. Mr. Baranek explains things clearly for the layman, but knowing something about aviation helps with visualizing the flying described.
Mr. Baranek made a conscious choice not to describe his personal life in order to focus on the professional life of a Navy flyer. Unfortunately this makes the book a bit dry. Some more "out of uniform" stuff, for example details about how Mr. Baranek grew up and how he came to be so interested in flying, would have helped flesh out the book and the person.
http://www.books.rosboch.net/?p=1840
For anyone even vaguely interested in aviation, this should be an interesting read. For me, the details of radar intercepts, flying off a carrier, and how Topgun operated back then were pure gold. I was fifteen when Top Gun came out and it made a huge impression on me, helping to stoke a budding love of aviation that hasn't abated three decades later. Mr. Baranek explains things clearly for the layman, but knowing something about aviation helps with visualizing the flying described.
Mr. Baranek made a conscious choice not to describe his personal life in order to focus on the professional life of a Navy flyer. Unfortunately this makes the book a bit dry. Some more "out of uniform" stuff, for example details about how Mr. Baranek grew up and how he came to be so interested in flying, would have helped flesh out the book and the person.
http://www.books.rosboch.net/?p=1840
April 9, 2019
Author, Dave “Bio” Baranek does a phenomenal job of placing you IN the cockpit of his U.S. Navy F-14 Tomcat while telling his astounding story in his book, “Topgun Days” --a technical but totally accurate account of his flying days as an F-14 Radar Intercept Officer – aka RIO. This book is a real page turner as you quickly find yourself immersed in intense air-to-air combat that is second to none. You’ll feel like you’re strapped in his ejection seat as you ride it up the rails “with him” before splashing into the ocean after one swing in his parachute following a dreadful carrier landing mishap. He’ll have your heart racing (just like mine) as you wait to read what happens next. He highlights his life as a Topgun student then Topgun instructor followed by intricate details of how the blockbuster movie, “Top Gun” was made during his days as a Topgun instructor at Miramar. Bio reveals minute “Top Gun” movie details that I’ve never read or heard before. I couldn’t put the book down. The book is an interesting read and will make you feel excited inside, just like you felt the first time you saw the opening credit scenes of “Top Gun” as Tomcats roar off the carrier accompanied “Danger Zone” sung by Kenny Loggins. This book is a must read for all military veterans. Order your copy today!
Ken Murray, Author, "On Parr”
Ken Murray, Author, "On Parr”
April 4, 2020
Muy bueno...muchos datos de los entresijos que rodearon la pelicula.
January 24, 2023
A more simple military book. It just puts you into the cockpit with this Radar Intercept Officer RIO and helps you to understand the job of a RIO during the 80s. It’s interesting and his interactions with the Topgun school and movie were fascinating, but also don’t expect anything too deep for a military book. If your expectations are in the right place, it’s a fun read.
July 16, 2021
Outstanding Detail
A great story with exacting detail…thoroughly enjoyed the authors style and obvious love of his profession. Couldn’t ask for more fun and edge of your seat descriptions of F-14 operations. A must read for any serious naval aviation fan.
A great story with exacting detail…thoroughly enjoyed the authors style and obvious love of his profession. Couldn’t ask for more fun and edge of your seat descriptions of F-14 operations. A must read for any serious naval aviation fan.
August 3, 2018
A brilliant read on US Navy flight ops. I particularly enjoyed reading a bit about carrier ops too. Ok, confession, Top Gun is my favourite ever movie (I know). Therefore I loved the author’s account of his time as an instructor at ‘Topgun’ (Hollywood changed how it is written!) but the insight of the filming and how Fighter Weapons School was involved with the movie production was brilliant to read about.
In summary, an excellent read.
In summary, an excellent read.
August 10, 2020
Interesting
Too technical in most aspects, wanted to know more about the rigours of combat more so. The Top Gun stuff was interesting but it felt more of just being a witness than anything
Too technical in most aspects, wanted to know more about the rigours of combat more so. The Top Gun stuff was interesting but it felt more of just being a witness than anything
January 16, 2017
Fairly boring. If you're interested in the RIO's role, carrier flights or Topgun's administrative side, it's useful, however. As a research book it's definitely not the worst thing I've had to read.
October 29, 2020
A fantastic behind-the-scenes book by a TOPGUN insider, both the Navy Fighter Weapons School and the iconic 80’s movie.
“TOPGUN Days” by Dave “Bio” Baranek is a great backstage pass to not only the Navy’s elite FWS and center of gravity for air combat tactics, but also offers a fascinating peek behind the curtain of the making of the original TOPGUN film in 1986, as Bio was a consultant.
Although I have yet to meet Bio, I have a uniquely relevant perspective; I also attended the Navy Fighter Weapons School (NWFS, “TOPGUN”, where Bio was an Instructor in the 1980’s [a “Bro” in insider parlance] and have recently wrapped up a year as the Navy’s Chief Technical Advisor and Lead Aerial Coordinator for the 2021 film “TOPGUN: Maverick” (Paramount Pictures, July 2, 2021) Bio and I have both logged in the same F-5 Tiger II adversary aircraft (that model has since been retired for a slightly more updated version), as he flew in the mighty Tiger in aerial sequences in the original film, and 25 years later, I was the CO of the Adversary squadron in Fallon Nevada that provides “bandits” for TOPGUN. The F-5 played the role of the “MiG-28” in the original film. Sorry, no spoilers as to the current enemy platform.
TOPGUN days is a fascinating and engaging tale of the ins and outs of the genesis of the Navy Fighter Weapons School, its growth years, and how the operation was run and tactics developed in the adolescent years of the School during its days at Naval Air Station Miramar in San Diego, CA (TOPGUN has since moved to Naval Air Station Fallon, in the high desert of Nevada).
As a former TOPGUN Instructor, he takes the reader behind the scenes of the collision of two worlds; US Navy fighter aviation at its tactical peak, and the (sometimes) glitz and glamour of a major Hollywood production about the former.
As I can attest, either topic is worthy of a best-seller, and Bio has combined both fascinating tales into a single work that is worthy of the best seller list.
Whether you are a current or former TOPGUN Instructor, Fleet Naval Aviator, Navy hopeful (I highly recommend the profession) or aviation (or TOPGUN film) enthusiast in general, this is a great read as only an insider can relate, and Bio does it magnificently.
TOPGUN Days is a must read, and I am looking forward to starting his next book, “Tomcat Rio: A Topgun Instructor on the F-14 Tomcat and the Heroic Naval Aviators Who Flew It.”
“TOPGUN Days” by Dave “Bio” Baranek is a great backstage pass to not only the Navy’s elite FWS and center of gravity for air combat tactics, but also offers a fascinating peek behind the curtain of the making of the original TOPGUN film in 1986, as Bio was a consultant.
Although I have yet to meet Bio, I have a uniquely relevant perspective; I also attended the Navy Fighter Weapons School (NWFS, “TOPGUN”, where Bio was an Instructor in the 1980’s [a “Bro” in insider parlance] and have recently wrapped up a year as the Navy’s Chief Technical Advisor and Lead Aerial Coordinator for the 2021 film “TOPGUN: Maverick” (Paramount Pictures, July 2, 2021) Bio and I have both logged in the same F-5 Tiger II adversary aircraft (that model has since been retired for a slightly more updated version), as he flew in the mighty Tiger in aerial sequences in the original film, and 25 years later, I was the CO of the Adversary squadron in Fallon Nevada that provides “bandits” for TOPGUN. The F-5 played the role of the “MiG-28” in the original film. Sorry, no spoilers as to the current enemy platform.
TOPGUN days is a fascinating and engaging tale of the ins and outs of the genesis of the Navy Fighter Weapons School, its growth years, and how the operation was run and tactics developed in the adolescent years of the School during its days at Naval Air Station Miramar in San Diego, CA (TOPGUN has since moved to Naval Air Station Fallon, in the high desert of Nevada).
As a former TOPGUN Instructor, he takes the reader behind the scenes of the collision of two worlds; US Navy fighter aviation at its tactical peak, and the (sometimes) glitz and glamour of a major Hollywood production about the former.
As I can attest, either topic is worthy of a best-seller, and Bio has combined both fascinating tales into a single work that is worthy of the best seller list.
Whether you are a current or former TOPGUN Instructor, Fleet Naval Aviator, Navy hopeful (I highly recommend the profession) or aviation (or TOPGUN film) enthusiast in general, this is a great read as only an insider can relate, and Bio does it magnificently.
TOPGUN Days is a must read, and I am looking forward to starting his next book, “Tomcat Rio: A Topgun Instructor on the F-14 Tomcat and the Heroic Naval Aviators Who Flew It.”
May 2, 2018
I unashamedly loved the movie Top Gun when it came out, and this was an enjoyable peek into the lives and careers of the real aviators that story was based on. I noticed one review that said there was too much in the book about the movie, but I'm not sure what else you would expect from the title, and I was personally much more interested in that part of the book than in the technical flying aspects.
That said, there is lot here for the aviation geeks, I think. I appreciated the sidebars in the book, which effectively separated the intensely technical information from the more "human interest" parts of the story, while giving more details for those who were interested. I think it's clear that the author is more than qualified as an expert on his subject.
My favorite parts of the book, however, were the details about what the movie got wrong and what it got right, the role the aviators played in making the movie what it was, and how the making of the movie affected their lives, both in the short term and the long run. I found it thoroughly satisfying and entertaining, while at the same time I acquired an even greater respect for these "best and brightest" military members.
That said, there is lot here for the aviation geeks, I think. I appreciated the sidebars in the book, which effectively separated the intensely technical information from the more "human interest" parts of the story, while giving more details for those who were interested. I think it's clear that the author is more than qualified as an expert on his subject.
My favorite parts of the book, however, were the details about what the movie got wrong and what it got right, the role the aviators played in making the movie what it was, and how the making of the movie affected their lives, both in the short term and the long run. I found it thoroughly satisfying and entertaining, while at the same time I acquired an even greater respect for these "best and brightest" military members.
September 27, 2020
I really enjoyed the book. I thought it was going to be all about the movie Top Gun, but it was the biography of Dave “Bio” Baraneck, a real TOPGUN instructor who also happened to work on the film. He did a great job of explaining everything about being a fighter pilot, including fight talk, aircraft and weapon systems and being in the Navy. I was very impressed that he could make it understandable, even to an old maintainer/ammo troop like me.
I can now understand why military aviators, especially fighter jocks, are some well appointed to be military leaders across the services. The training they receive plus the decision making they develop over the years make them incredible, critical thinkers and leaders.
The story about the Top Fun movie and bits of trivia were entertaining but I think the history of this fighter pilot truly makes it something special to read.
On top of it all, I actually bought the book years ago when we visited the Smithsonian Udvar-Hazy Center outside of DC. We saw a guy wearing his leather pilots jacket covered in patches behind a table of books. We chatted a little and I’m a sucker for a signed book. I am sure glad that I got him to sign it for me because it makes the story that much more special.
I can now understand why military aviators, especially fighter jocks, are some well appointed to be military leaders across the services. The training they receive plus the decision making they develop over the years make them incredible, critical thinkers and leaders.
The story about the Top Fun movie and bits of trivia were entertaining but I think the history of this fighter pilot truly makes it something special to read.
On top of it all, I actually bought the book years ago when we visited the Smithsonian Udvar-Hazy Center outside of DC. We saw a guy wearing his leather pilots jacket covered in patches behind a table of books. We chatted a little and I’m a sucker for a signed book. I am sure glad that I got him to sign it for me because it makes the story that much more special.
December 26, 2021
It may not appeal very much to the casual reader but this is excellent stuff for aviation fans. Best of all: it features the mighty F-14 Tomcat, made famous by the 1986 movie Top Gun. Dave “Bio” Baranek was a Top Gun instructor at around this time and actually featured in the movie, albeit unrecognizable because of his helmet, as the backseater in the F-5F (certainly this is not a MiG-28!). He also consulted Paramount on the correct lingo. The book offers inspired reading to aircraft lovers, pilots and wannabe pilots (you know: those guys who are completely hooked on flight simulators, specifically Eagle Dynamics DCS).
January 31, 2020
What a great read of a book
I gave it a 5
It was a great book about the top gun pilots in the USAat Miramar
There story about when topgun started in Vietnam there kill ratio to how many planes they lost to how many enemy were shot down
This tied in with what made the Topgun movie what was involved the pilots the stuntmen the actors the directors producers the planes they used the F14 Tomcat, the F5s, the skyhawks what more can i say a totally great read one of my favourite books to read so please take the time to read it i was hooked from the start
I gave it a 5
It was a great book about the top gun pilots in the USAat Miramar
There story about when topgun started in Vietnam there kill ratio to how many planes they lost to how many enemy were shot down
This tied in with what made the Topgun movie what was involved the pilots the stuntmen the actors the directors producers the planes they used the F14 Tomcat, the F5s, the skyhawks what more can i say a totally great read one of my favourite books to read so please take the time to read it i was hooked from the start
April 14, 2018
I really enjoyed this book!
I talked this book over with a friend who was an NFO on a carrier on station off ‘Nam during the war and learned a lot about Naval Aviation in the process adding to the lessons in this book. My respect for the carrier crews who play such an incredible part in the performance of their mission has only increased as a result of reading this book. Worth every penny of the price and then some!
I talked this book over with a friend who was an NFO on a carrier on station off ‘Nam during the war and learned a lot about Naval Aviation in the process adding to the lessons in this book. My respect for the carrier crews who play such an incredible part in the performance of their mission has only increased as a result of reading this book. Worth every penny of the price and then some!
January 27, 2022
The book largely consists of the author’s descriptions of day-to-day life in his different roles - Navy RIO, TOPGUN student, TOPGUN instructor - and while a lot of it is interesting, other parts can get pretty dry. The definite highlight is describing the making of the 1986 film Top Gun: the Navy staff’s role in filming, and the difference between reality and Hollywood drama. Recommended for aviation enthusiasts or those interested in learning more about the background of the film.
September 13, 2024
3.5 stars
Despite the grandiose, almost dramatic title, this is a very calming read for me. Being fighter pilots seem like it would be one of the most adrenaline-filled jobs out there, especially during the Cold War. But this is a book about a man who enjoys something, works hard at it, and does it well. The author does a really good job of balancing the technical details of flying and other aspects of his job. And the experience of working on Top Gun was definitely a nice highlight.
Despite the grandiose, almost dramatic title, this is a very calming read for me. Being fighter pilots seem like it would be one of the most adrenaline-filled jobs out there, especially during the Cold War. But this is a book about a man who enjoys something, works hard at it, and does it well. The author does a really good job of balancing the technical details of flying and other aspects of his job. And the experience of working on Top Gun was definitely a nice highlight.
June 10, 2019
Very well written
The positive on this book is that it is extremely well written. Also, if your a pilot or an aviation buff, it’ll keep you hooked. The author had the misfortune to fly at a relatively unexciting time in history as far as aviation goes (no wars). Overall, the book was good and kept me hooked for the duration.
The positive on this book is that it is extremely well written. Also, if your a pilot or an aviation buff, it’ll keep you hooked. The author had the misfortune to fly at a relatively unexciting time in history as far as aviation goes (no wars). Overall, the book was good and kept me hooked for the duration.
April 15, 2018
EXCEPTIONAL
Great read hard to put down lots of insight into TOPGUN training and inside and background on how the scenes were filmed for the movie loved the movie and loved reading this book GREAT READING
Great read hard to put down lots of insight into TOPGUN training and inside and background on how the scenes were filmed for the movie loved the movie and loved reading this book GREAT READING
June 28, 2018
Story of a Real Top Gun pilot who happened to be part of the Top Gun movie.
Excellent behind the scenes story of a real Top Gun pilot. More interesting in the recounts of his own personal experiences than the Top Gun movie details themselves.
Excellent behind the scenes story of a real Top Gun pilot. More interesting in the recounts of his own personal experiences than the Top Gun movie details themselves.
October 24, 2017
This book started out great, but I feel like the author spent way too much time (probably 1/3 of the book) on his connection with the movie "Top Gun".
August 27, 2018
Really great book! If you ever want to know the busy life of a naval aviator, this will show you. The pictures are a wonderful addition too.
March 22, 2019
Excellent read, Bio is a great writer.
I flew F-15s in the AF and have always wanted to hear insider gouge on top gun...this book is full of it! :)
I flew F-15s in the AF and have always wanted to hear insider gouge on top gun...this book is full of it! :)
April 27, 2019
Excellent read regarding the life of a Radar Intercept Officer (RIO) and some background details regarding the hit movie Top Gun.
June 11, 2019
Well-written, easy read. super interesting. It was especially interesting to read all the behind-the-scenes info on the filming of Top Gun.
October 23, 2019
Interesting tidbits here and there, but horribly boring in flow and overall content. Loved the movie, meh for this recollection. Regardless, I thank the author for his service.
November 2, 2020
I feel the need for speed
May 22, 2020
Interesting Experiences
I enjoyed Bio’s book very much. He did a great job telling his stories about what Navy fighter pilots go through in their jets. It also spurred me into watching Top Gun again. Thanks for a good read.
I enjoyed Bio’s book very much. He did a great job telling his stories about what Navy fighter pilots go through in their jets. It also spurred me into watching Top Gun again. Thanks for a good read.
March 20, 2017
This is a book for both aviation enthusiasts as well as those who loved the movie, Top Gun.You will not be disappointed!!
August 6, 2018
Excellent if at times technical discussion of the USN's Fighter weapons School or Topgun.
August 23, 2019
The author is a retired Naval flight officer, who made several cruises aboard various carriers as the radar operator in the back seat of an F-14. One of those cruises included an ejection when the ship's arresting gear failed to arrest the F-14 before it went overboard. Even more challenging were his two assignments to the Topgun program, the Navy's elite fighter-training school, first as a student, then in the coveted position of an instructor. During that second assignment, he also helped with the Navy's support and the flying sequences of the classic movie Top Gun.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews