In all likelihood, Maverick would also be an airline pilot by this time. Doubtful that he would be flying anything if still in the Navy.
You’re correct, any young pilot from 1986 (32 years ago) would be an Admiral if he was still in the Navy. The max you can do is 33 years. I think the only ones that go beyond that are generals or admirals and they get an extension from Congress because they are deemed necessary. He’d be flying a desk, but it’s Hollywood so anything’s possible right?
“Doubtful that he would be flying anything if still in the Navy.”
A desk, maybe. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a 55 year old pilot in any of the armed forces - they tend to get promoted out of flying jobs by that age, if not retired (up or out, right?)