Corrected entry: The helicopter on an aircraft carrier is usually one of the first aircraft airborne during flight ops. The helicopter should have been airborne already when they call to launch the rescue helicopter when Hollywood was shot down.
Ken Hogan
9th Dec 2004
Top Gun (1986)
9th Dec 2004
Top Gun (1986)
Corrected entry: I don't remember there ever being an Alert 5 aircraft during normal flight operations, like Maverick was at the end of the movie. He should have been up in the air already. The Alert aircraft were normally set up before normal flight operations started in the morning.
Correction: I'm a former Air Boss. This situation actually does happen.
26th Apr 2005
Top Gun (1986)
Corrected entry: At the end of the movie, how did the flight deck crew know to cheer about what happened in the air? There would be no way for the news to spread THAT quickly for them to cheer & surround the F-14's to congratulate them when they first land back on the carrier.
Correction: There is plenty of time for the crew to be informed of the news via headphones that the crew wore, PA system or just word of mouth.
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Correction: Sort of - a helicopter will be airborne for launch and recovery...usually. It is permissible to have an alert helo and either manned RHIB or plane guard surface unit for SAR coverage. Furthermore, once the launch and recovery cycle is complete, prior to the next launch (approximately 1.5 hours), helos will often land to get gas, swap crews, or swap actual aircraft.