Long Island's Air and Space Museum
Preserving Long Island's rich aerospace heritage of discovery and inspiring future generations through science and technology.
Preserving Long Island's rich aerospace heritage of discovery and inspiring future generations through science and technology.
LEGENDS OF AIR & SPACE LECTURE SERIES
A lecture and book signing with Topgun Instructor Dave “Bio” Baranek
This lecture is FREE but reservations are required. Please call 516-572-4066 (M-F, 10-4) to reserve your seat.
The Cradle of Aviation Museum and Education Center is pleased to present a special evening with Dave Baranek. Dave’s book “Topgun Days” explains what it is like to be a Naval Flight Officer in the mighty, Grumman manufactured F-14 Tomcat.
Dave enjoyed a twenty-year career in the U. S. Navy. When he joined the Navy he had his sights on flying Navy jets but his eyesight deteriorated and instead of becoming a pilot, he became a RIO (radar intercept officer). He received his call sign “Bio” which is short for bionic (rhyming with Baranek.)
While serving as a Topgun air-to-air combat instructor in 1985, he flew aerial sequences used in the film “Top Gun” starring Tom Cruise. He also served as a dialogue advisor on the project.
Come and hear Dave talk about his days in the F-14 cockpit as he describes dogfighting, carrier operations which include a heart-stopping mishap and ejection. He describes his Hollywood experiences which include the behind-the-scenes story of one of America’s favorite movies, “Top Gun”. Dave’s book takes you from the “catapult shot to the red carpet”.
Dave retired from the Navy in 1999 and now works as a defense contractor in the Washington, D. C. area.
This lecture is FREE but reservations are required. Please call 516-572-4066 (M-F, 10-4) to reserve your seat.
Refreshments will be served during the book signing. Seating is limited.
Museum Hours:
Tuesday-Sunday
10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Museum & Planetarium Combo:
$25.00 Adults
$23.00 Child (2-12), Seniors (62+)
Museum Admission:
$18.00 Adults
$16.00 Child (2-12), Seniors (62+)
Planetarium:
$12.00 Adults
$11.00 Child (2-12), Seniors (62+)
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