They’re heroes. They protect us civilians. And they have some amazing skills up in the air. Pilots have always been a fascinating subject in movies. And while the stunts they generally pull in film are probably not the kinds of things that happen in real life, it’s pretty awesome to see in the theaters. Whether it’s a dogfight, a mission to the middle east, or even landing a commercial airliner when no one else could do it, pilots play an extremely important role in the outcome of a film
Here are 10 awesome pilots in movies.
Lt. Pete “Maverick” Mitchell – Top Gun
As “Jester” says, he “flies by the seat of his pants.” Taking out 3 fighters all by himself at the end was only a part of his coolness. “That’s right Iceman, I am dangerous.” Plus he was a pretty good volleyball player.
Doug Masters – Iron Eagle
Pretty impressive that a guy who spent most of his time in a flight simulator was able to pull off a covert operation in the middle east and virtually take out an entire country by himself. Oh yeah, he’s just out of high school.
Han Solo – Star Wars Movies
You didn’t think I’d leave out the Captain of the Millennium Falcon did you? Han has got some serious skills riding around that clunk of junk.
Captain Dennis Dearborn – Memphis Belle
Going 24 missions in World War II without a scratch and then making it home after number 25 constitutes being a damned good pilot in my book. An underrated movie in my opinion.
Lt. Ted “Iceman” Kazansky
That he was able to survive that dogfight until Maverick got into the mix was pretty impressive. Plus you know Iceman, he’s “Ice Cold, no mistakes.” He wears you down man. One mistake and he’ll nail ya. Plus the guy does cool stuff with his hands.
Ted Striker – Airplane
Considering he hadn’t flown since his days with George Zip, to be able to successfully land a commercial airliner with instructions from a man he hated and no visual aids, is pretty impressive.
Charles “Chappy” Sinclair – Iron Eagle
Put it this way. He made it through all the Iron Eagle Movies. That’s gotta say something right?
Luke Skywalker – Star Wars Movies
Sure he used the force but how the hell else are you going to penetrate the Death Star?
Darth Vader – Star Wars Movies
I mean the man gave Luke his genetic skills. He’s gotta be mentioned.
Hannibal Lee
I couldn’t forget the Tuskegee Airmen. Hannibal Lee was as good as a pilot gets. Not only in his cool name, but he barely took a scratch the entire film.
* Honorable mention to Viper from Top Gun but he only flew in practice so we couldn’t really see his skills. Also I have to give the nod to Topper Harley even though you only get to see him fly in Hot Shots and not the sequel. Then there’s Will Smith in Independence Day and the movie Flight, but you kind of have to not like Denzel Washington’s character. I mean, he’s an alcoholic. Yes he righted his wrongs but he was a bad pilot.
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