Meet the author of “Topgun Days” and “Before Topgun Days” – Dave “Bio” Baranek

Ever wonder what it’s like to be in the Topgun program? Out of weapons, low on fuel, and a bandit on your tail? Who would you want for a wing-man? What about a graduate of US Navy Fighter Weapons School “Topgun”? Come join us at 1 pm on August 14th. Spend the day with one of these premier aerial warriors!

Dave “Bio” Baranek enjoyed a twenty-year career in the US Navy. During those years, it included 2,499 flight hours in the F-14 tomcat. In addition, he completed 688 carrier landings as a radar intercept officer (RIO, like Goose!) After graduating from the “Topgun” program, Baranek returned as an instructor. As an instructor, he had the unique experience of serving as a consultant. During that time, he flew aerial sequences for the now beloved 1986 film “Top Gun.” With his experiences, Baranek authored the two books, “Topgun Days” and “Before Topgun Days.” The books detailed the many exploits and accomplishments that characterized his naval career. In his latest book “Tomcat RIO,” he puts you right in the cockpit of the F-14 Tomcat. The book gives the reader the experience of a highly trained two-man team.

Visit us on August 14th and enjoy a presentation by Baranek.

Hear about his unique career and buy a signed copy of his new book!

The day’s event includes:

• Food and refreshments will be available.
• Come fly an F/A-18 simulator in our theater between 9 and 12.
• Tour the inside of our unique EC-121 “Connie”
• Enjoy photo-ops with our complete F-14 Tomcat and F-5 Tiger
• Sit inside our realistic mockup of an F-14 cockpit.
• We’ll end the day with a 2pm showing of the classic 1986 film to be enjoyed with fresh popcorn.
• Come and find out which line Baranek contributed to our favorite film.

Are you feeling dangerous yet?

For Yanks Air Museum Admission tickets, visit: https://shop.yanksair.org/collections/admissions