Does Monica Barbaro Have a Pilot License?

Monica Barbaro, best known for her role as Lt. Natasha "Phoenix" Trace in Top Gun: Maverick, impressed audiences with her portrayal of a fierce, highly skilled fighter pilot. But beyond her on-screen performance, fans have been wondering: Does Monica Barbaro actually have a pilot license?

The answer is a bit more complex. While she underwent intensive flight training for her role in Top Gun: Maverick, becoming one of the few actors who can say they’ve piloted multiple aircraft, she does not officially hold a full pilot’s license. However, her training was extensive enough that she gained real-world flight experience, making her a highly skilled aviation enthusiast.

Here’s a closer look at her journey from Hollywood to the cockpit.

Monica Barbaro’s Flight Training for Top Gun: Maverick

To prepare for her role as Phoenix in the 2022 blockbuster sequel to Top Gun, Monica Barbaro underwent a rigorous flight training program designed by Tom Cruise himself. Cruise, known for his dedication to realism in filmmaking, wanted his co-stars to experience the real physical demands of flying in fighter jets.

As part of this training, Barbaro completed 40 hours of flight time in different types of aircraft, including:

Cessna 172 – A small, single-engine plane used for beginner flight training.

Extra 300 – A high-performance aerobatic plane, used to help actors develop g-force tolerance.

Aero L-39 Albatros – A military jet trainer, used to simulate real-world combat maneuvers.

In addition to these, she also had the rare opportunity to train in actual F/A-18 Hornets, flown by real U.S. Navy pilots. This level of training was unprecedented for Hollywood actors and gave Barbaro an authentic experience of what it’s like to be a military aviator.

Did Monica Barbaro Get Her Pilot License?

Despite completing extensive flight training, Monica Barbaro does not hold an official pilot license. However, her training placed her far beyond the average person in terms of aviation experience.

So why doesn’t she have a full license? The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires specific certifications and solo flight hours for a pilot to obtain a private license. While Barbaro trained in multiple aircraft and flew under the supervision of instructors, she did not complete the solo flight requirements necessary to earn an official license.

That said, her experience still makes her highly qualified compared to most actors who play pilots on-screen. She’s one of the few Hollywood stars who can say they’ve flown a jet in real-life conditions.

How Intense Was the Training?

The training for Top Gun: Maverick wasn’t just about learning to fly—it was about surviving the extreme physical demands of aerial combat.

Building G-Force Tolerance

One of the most critical aspects of flight training was g-force endurance. High-speed aerial maneuvers put tremendous pressure on the human body, causing pilots to black out if they aren’t properly conditioned.

To prepare, Barbaro:

Flew in an Extra 300 aerobatic plane to experience rapid turns and spins.

Trained with the Patriots Jet Team in L-39s to simulate real-world fighter jet conditions.

Practiced the “Hook Maneuver”, a breathing technique used by pilots to avoid g-force-induced blackouts.

Overcoming Swim Training Challenges

One of the toughest aspects of her preparation wasn’t even in the air—it was in the water. Naval aviators must be trained to survive emergency water landings, and Barbaro went through the same rigorous training as real Navy pilots.

She later revealed that the swim training was the hardest part of the entire experience. It required her to:

Escape from a simulated sinking aircraft while blindfolded.

Hold her breath for extended periods under stressful conditions.

Swim while fully dressed in flight gear, replicating real emergency situations.

Her dedication to the training paid off—when it came time to film the flight scenes, she performed them without the use of stunt doubles, making her role even more authentic.

Monica Barbaro’s Impact on Top Gun: Maverick

Monica Barbaro’s portrayal of Lt. Phoenix marked a historic moment for the Top Gun franchise. She became the first female fighter pilot in the series, breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated film.

Her role wasn’t just about representation—it was about authenticity. Unlike in the original Top Gun (1986), where actors filmed cockpit scenes in stationary jets, Barbaro and her co-stars actually flew in real F/A-18s, experiencing the G-forces, rapid maneuvers, and tight cockpit conditions of military aviation.

Her performance earned widespread praise, and her dedication to flight training set a new standard for realism in aviation films.

Will Monica Barbaro Ever Get a Pilot’s License?

Given her passion for flying, it’s possible that Monica Barbaro could pursue a pilot’s license in the future. Many actors who train for roles end up falling in love with their new skills—Tom Cruise, for example, is a licensed pilot who now flies his own planes.

While Barbaro hasn’t publicly stated any plans to get an official license, her experience with flight training has clearly made a lasting impact on her. If she ever decides to complete the solo flight hours and written exams required, she would likely become a certified private pilot in no time.

Conclusion

So, does Monica Barbaro have a pilot’s license? Not officially—but her intense training and real-world flight experience place her far beyond the average aviation enthusiast. Through her work in Top Gun: Maverick, she gained hands-on experience flying multiple aircraft, built the stamina needed to withstand high-G maneuvers, and underwent rigorous survival training.

Her commitment to authenticity made her portrayal of Lt. Phoenix one of the most realistic in Hollywood history, and her aviation journey continues to inspire fans. While she may not be a fully licensed pilot yet, she certainly has the skills to take to the skies whenever she wants.