What it takes to become a ‘Top Gun’

Lippincott recounts journey to becoming F16 fighter pilot during time in the U.S. Air Force

  • Sen. Loren Lippincott stands in front of a T38 fighter pilot training jet on display. During his days as a U.S. Air Force Top Gun he flew T38s in pilot training and fighter lead in training.
    Sen. Loren Lippincott stands in front of a T38 fighter pilot training jet on display. During his days as a U.S. Air Force Top Gun he flew T38s in pilot training and fighter lead in training.

    Editor’s note: The following article was written by Dist. 34 Sen. Loren Lippincott, who became a Top Gun F-16 fighter pilot during his service in the U.S. Air Force.

    With last year’s release of “Top Gun: Maverick,” a renewed interest has arisen as to how to become a military pilot, a fighter pilot, a “Top Gun.”  When the original “Top Gun” movie came out, it created an increase in Navy recruit…