February 2013
ASCRS•ASOA SYMPOSIUM & CONGRESS, SAN FRANCISCO2011
EW SHOW DAILY
57
Close enough, Dr. Schallhorn.
Despite the similarities between
Dr. Schallhorn's experience and
what unfolded in the movie, he
maintains that characters were based
on composites of pilots. He wasn't
Maverick, nor was he "Viper," the
chief instructor.
Dr. Schallhorn's aviator call sign
was actually "Legs." Why?
"That's something I only share
over a beer at the Miramar Officers'
Club," which has since become a
Marine Corps Officers' Club.
Dr. Schallhorn being a Navy
guy, I guess we'll never know. EW
Editors' note: Dr. Schallhorn has
no financial interests related to
this article.
VF-2 landing
Speaking of romance, what does
Dr. Schallhorn have to say about one
of the most famous scenes in the
movie, where Maverick sings
"You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" to
Charlie at an officers' club?
Source (all): Steven C. Schallhorn, MD
Well, he said, there was a
Miramar Officers' Club. "Wednesday
night at Miramar Officers' Club was
the place to be in San Diego," Dr.
Schallhorn said. "I haven't been over
there in many years. I did meet my
wife at an officers' club. I was with a
fellow aviator during flight training.
I'm not sure what song was playing,
but I didn't grab a mic and sing to
her."
