Top Gun: Author Dave Baranek Book Signing at Prairie Aviation Museum a Great Success

By Carmelo Turdo

Dave Baranek, Navy veteran aviator, signed copies of his book Top Gun Days at an appearance at the Prairie Aviation Museum in Bloomington, IL Saturday.  Baranek, call sign "Bio," received his wings of gold in 1980 as a Naval Flight Officer and later became an instructor at the Navy Fighter Weapons School, Top Gun.  In August 1985, Baranek was assigned to participate in a project to film action footage for a Hollywood movie: Top Gun.     

According to Mike Sallee, Prairie Aviation Museum Director of Community Outreach, the event was a great success.  "There was standing room only (about 100 people) for both the morning and afternoon sessions, which filled the museum.  Dave autographed  with the dedication as requested by the visitor.  He gave a slide presentation for about 30 minutes, with details on the F-14 Tomcat aircraft and some of his experiences as a RIO and also Top Gun instructor."  The museum has an F-14D Tomcat on display in its airpark, along with several other Naval Aviation aircraft.   

Here are a few photos of the event (thanks Mike Sallee):