The reckless but talented naval aviator Maverick, together with his best friend "Goose", wants to pass the tough training program for elite pilots of the US Navy, called "Top Gun", as No. 1. His toughest competitor is the cool ace pilot "Iceman". Right at the beginning, he falls in love with the pretty instructor "Charlie". When Goose is killed during one of his daring flight maneuvers, Maverick wants to give up, full of guilt. But on a real enemy mission, Maverick shows what he can do.
A young American begins training as a military pilot and thus embarks on an adventurous, but also obstacle-filled adult life - spectacularly staged.