{
  "id": 5511787,
  "title": "He failed the military pilot eye test—so he built a $1 million-a-day traffic company and bought flying lessons. Now he’s Top Gun’s stunt pilot",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/he-failed-the-military-pilot-eye-test-so-he-built-a-1-million-a-day",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-09-04T06:51:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Fortune",
    "slug": "fortune",
    "url": "https://fortune.com/2026/09/04/top-gun-stunt-pilot-failed-military-eye-tests-1-million-a-day-traffic-company-career-advice/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Jonathan Spano, a man who never fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming a military pilot, has since built a successful traffic management company and turned his dream into a reality. Failing the Navy's strict eyesight requirements, Spano shifted his focus to a new dream. Growing up in a blue-collar family in California, Spano and his brother started a traffic control business in 1995, offering rental equipment, barricades, and signs, eventually growing into a national company. Despite the business' success, Spano's dream of piloting planes remained unfulfilled until a tax tip from his accountant led him to buy a small plane. This allowed him to visit company locations more efficiently and expand his operations. Recognizing his passion for filmmaking, Spano bought a helicopter and partnered with a Hollywood aerial coordinator to mount cameras for film productions. His modified Embraer Phenom 300 jet was used in Top Gun: Maverick, earning him a Screen Actors Guild Award for stunts. Spano continues to work on projects, including a third Top Gun film, and has also provided aerial footage for commercials and National Geographic documentaries, earning Emmy nominations. Spano's story serves as an inspiration for anyone pursuing their dreams, emphasizing the importance of boldness, risk-taking, and hard work.",
  "summary": "Top Gun's stunt pilot built a traffic company as a teen. Now he's making millions—enough to fund flying lessons and a $2 million helicopter.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}