5 Times Tom Cruise Flew Real Jets

Tom Cruise is known for his daredevil stunts and passion for flying, and he has had the opportunity to fly real jets on several occasions. Here are five times Tom Cruise flew real jets:

Tom Cruise's love for flying started at a young age, and he has been a licensed pilot since 1994. He has flown a variety of aircraft, including jets, helicopters, and even a World War II-era plane.

1. F-14 Tomcat in Top Gun (1986)

One of Tom Cruise's most iconic flying experiences was when he played the role of Maverick in the movie Top Gun. He flew an F-14 Tomcat, a supersonic jet fighter used by the US Navy.

The film's aerial sequences were shot using real F-14 Tomcats, and Tom Cruise performed many of his own flying stunts. He has said in interviews that flying the F-14 was an exhilarating experience and one of the highlights of his career.

Learning to Fly the F-14

To prepare for the role, Tom Cruise underwent an intensive flight training program with the US Navy. He learned to fly the F-14 and performed a series of aerial stunts, including high-G turns and high-speed passes.

2. Gulfstream IV in Interview with the Vampire (1994)

In the movie Interview with the Vampire, Tom Cruise played the role of Lestat, a vampire who flies a Gulfstream IV business jet.

Tom Cruise flew the Gulfstream IV himself in several scenes, showcasing his flying skills.

Flying the Gulfstream IV

The Gulfstream IV is a high-performance business jet capable of flying at speeds of up to Mach 0.80 (528 mph). Tom Cruise has said that flying the Gulfstream IV was a thrilling experience, and he enjoyed the challenge of handling the aircraft.

3. Eurofighter Typhoon in Edge of Tomorrow (2014)

In the movie Edge of Tomorrow, Tom Cruise played the role of Major William Cage, a military officer who flies a Eurofighter Typhoon.

Tom Cruise flew a Eurofighter Typhoon simulator to prepare for the role, but he also got to fly a real Eurofighter Typhoon during filming.

Flying the Eurofighter Typhoon

The Eurofighter Typhoon is a highly advanced fighter jet capable of flying at speeds of up to Mach 2.0 (1,470 mph). Tom Cruise has said that flying the Eurofighter Typhoon was an intense experience, requiring great skill and concentration.

4. P-51 Mustang in The Mummy (2017)

In the movie The Mummy, Tom Cruise played the role of Nick Morton, an American soldier who flies a P-51 Mustang.

Tom Cruise flew a P-51 Mustang himself in several scenes, showcasing his flying skills.

Flying the P-51 Mustang

The P-51 Mustang is a World War II-era fighter plane known for its speed and agility. Tom Cruise has said that flying the P-51 Mustang was a dream come true, and he enjoyed the challenge of handling the aircraft.

5. F/A-18 Hornet in Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

In the movie Top Gun: Maverick, Tom Cruise reprises his role as Maverick, flying an F/A-18 Hornet.

Tom Cruise flew an F/A-18 Hornet simulator to prepare for the role, but he also got to fly a real F/A-18 Hornet during filming.

Flying the F/A-18 Hornet

The F/A-18 Hornet is a multirole fighter jet capable of flying at speeds of up to Mach 1.8 (1,100 mph). Tom Cruise has said that flying the F/A-18 Hornet was an exhilarating experience, requiring great skill and concentration.