Celebs Who Can Fly Planes

Hollywood stars are often known for their high-profile lifestyles, but many take their love for adventure into the cockpit of an aircraft. For these celebrities, aviation is more than just a convenient way to travel; it is a dedicated passion that requires rigorous training and certification. From operating vintage warbirds to piloting massive commercial jets, these actors and musicians have proven their skills in the sky. This list highlights several prominent figures who have traded the red carpet for the runway to pursue their dreams of flight.

Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise earned his pilot’s license in 1994 and has since become one of the most visible aviation enthusiasts in Hollywood. He famously owns a World War II-era P-51 Mustang, which appeared in the film ‘Top Gun: Maverick’. The actor also holds ratings for multiple types of aircraft, including commercial jets and helicopters. He performed many of his own flying stunts during the production of his high-octane action films.

John Travolta

John Travolta is a highly accomplished pilot who holds licenses for several types of large commercial aircraft. He famously served as a global ambassador for Qantas Airways and has parked his private jets at his home in a fly-in community. His collection has included a Boeing 707 and a Boeing 727, among various Gulfstream models. Travolta began flying at the age of 15 and received his first pilot’s certificate in 1974.

Harrison Ford

Harrison Ford is known for his extensive collection of vintage aircraft and his frequent participation in search and rescue missions. He began flight training in the 1960s but did not complete his certification until the mid-1990s. Ford operates both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters from his base in Wyoming. He has provided volunteer air support to local authorities during emergency situations in the Teton Range.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie was inspired to become a pilot after watching planes take off with her son, Maddox. She earned her private pilot’s license in 2004 and has since owned a Cirrus SR22. The actress utilizes her aviation skills to travel across various international terrains for her humanitarian work. She has spoken about the sense of freedom and perspective she gains while navigating the skies.

Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman did not earn his pilot’s license until the age of 65, fulfilling a lifelong dream he had since his time as a mechanic in the Air Force. He owns several aircraft, including a Cessna Citation 501 and a twin-engine Cessna 414. Freeman eventually upgraded to an Emivest SJ30 long-range business jet to accommodate his travel needs. He has frequently flown himself to movie sets and promotional events across the United States.

Clint Eastwood

Clint Eastwood has been a licensed helicopter pilot for over 30 years, finding the hobby to be a perfect escape from the spotlight. He often flies his Eurocopter AS350 to avoid Southern California traffic and reach his film locations. The director views flying as a way to clear his mind and gain a unique perspective on the world. He has maintained his proficiency and continues to operate aircraft well into his senior years.

Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt developed a passion for aviation and eventually earned his private pilot’s license to fly vintage aircraft. He famously purchased a Supermarine Spitfire, a British single-seat fighter used during World War II. Pitt underwent rigorous training to master the complex controls of the historic warbird. His interest in aviation is often shared with his family, as he has frequently taken his children on flights.

Hilary Swank

Hilary Swank became interested in aviation while preparing for her role as the legendary aviator in the film ‘Amelia’. Although she was not required to fly for the production, she decided to pursue a real license during the filming process. She completed her training and joined the ranks of Hollywood’s female pilots. Swank has noted that the technical challenges of flying provide a rewarding mental workout.

Kurt Russell

Kurt Russell has been a licensed pilot for several decades and frequently flies his TBM 700 turboprop aircraft. He follows in the footsteps of his father, Bing Russell, who was also an aviation enthusiast. The actor utilizes his skills to travel between his various properties and to attend professional engagements. Russell has often stated that aviation is one of his greatest passions outside of the film industry.

Gisele Bündchen

Gisele Bündchen earned her helicopter pilot’s license in 2009 while she was pregnant with her first child. She pursued the certification as part of her role as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme. Learning to fly allowed her to better understand and monitor environmental issues from an aerial perspective. She completed her training in a Robinson R44 helicopter under the guidance of experienced instructors.

Tim McGraw

Tim McGraw is a licensed private pilot who often flies his own Cirrus SR22 to various concert venues. He decided to learn to fly as a way to manage his busy touring schedule while remaining close to his family. McGraw has credited aviation with helping him maintain a healthy lifestyle by giving him a focused hobby. He frequently shares photos of his flights and his aircraft with his fans on social media.

Dierks Bentley

Dierks Bentley is a dedicated pilot who has spent years flying his Cessna 182 and later a Cessna Citation CJ4. He uses his aircraft to commute between his home in Nashville and his various tour dates across North America. Bentley often flies himself to avoid the constraints of commercial travel and to spend more time with his children. He has integrated his love for flying into his public image, often featuring planes in his music videos.

Dennis Quaid

Dennis Quaid holds a private pilot’s license and is rated for multi-engine instrument flight. He has owned several aircraft over the years, including a Cessna Citation 500 series business jet. The actor often flies himself to various film locations and promotional appearances across the country. Quaid has spoken about the discipline required to maintain his skills and the therapeutic nature of being in the cockpit.

Phil McGraw

Phil McGraw, known professionally as Dr. Phil, has been a licensed private pilot for several decades. He frequently uses his own aircraft to travel between his production studios and various personal engagements. His interest in aviation dates back to his younger years, and he has maintained his certification despite his busy television schedule. McGraw often emphasizes the importance of focus and precision required when operating an aircraft.

Kris Kristofferson

Kris Kristofferson was a commercial helicopter pilot before he found fame as a country music star and actor. He served as a helicopter pilot in the United States Army, where he achieved the rank of captain. Following his military service, he worked as a flight instructor and as a pilot for an oil company in the Gulf of Mexico. Kristofferson famously used his flying skills to land a helicopter on Johnny Cash’s lawn to deliver a demo tape.

Bruce Dickinson

Bruce Dickinson, the lead singer of the heavy metal band Iron Maiden, is a highly experienced commercial pilot. He famously piloted the band’s customized Boeing 747, known as ‘Ed Force One’, during their world tours. Dickinson worked as a captain for the now-defunct British charter airline Astraeus and later launched his own aviation maintenance company. He has frequently balanced his music career with his professional duties in the cockpit.

Enrique Iglesias

Enrique Iglesias is a licensed pilot who often takes to the skies to find peace away from his busy music career. He earned his license early in his career and has been spotted operating various small aircraft. The singer has expressed that flying allows him to clear his head and experience a different kind of adrenaline than performing on stage. He maintains his flying hours and enjoys the technical aspects of navigation and flight planning.

Tell us which of these celebrity pilots surprised you the most by sharing your thoughts in the comments.