Actors You Didn’t Know Hold Commercial Pilot Licenses

Hollywood is home to many individuals who pursue high stakes interests when they are not performing in front of the camera. Several famous actors have dedicated years of study to earn their commercial pilot licenses and operate a wide range of sophisticated aircraft. These stars often manage their own fleets and navigate international skies for both business and personal travel. Their accomplishments in aviation show a level of discipline that equals their success in the entertainment industry.

John Travolta

John Travolta holds a commercial license and multiple type ratings for aircraft including the Boeing 707 and the Challenger 601. He is a highly proficient pilot who has logged thousands of hours while flying all over the world. The star of ‘Grease’ famously maintains a home with a private runway to accommodate his impressive collection of planes. He has served as a global ambassador for aviation companies and has received several awards for his contributions to the pilot community. His passion for the sky is a major part of his public identity outside of his legendary acting career.

Harrison Ford

Harrison Ford is a highly experienced pilot who has logged thousands of hours in various fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. He holds a commercial certificate and is known for his proficiency in flying vintage planes as well as modern business jets. The ‘Indiana Jones’ actor has performed actual search and rescue operations to find lost individuals in the mountains of Wyoming. His commitment to aviation safety is reflected in his active participation in pilot training programs and industry events. He continues to fly regularly and maintains a diverse fleet of aircraft at his personal ranch.

Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise is well known for performing his own stunts in the ‘Mission Impossible’ franchise and ‘Top Gun’. He earned his commercial pilot license decades ago and is qualified to fly both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. The actor often flies himself to movie sets and has even flown his own vintage P-51 Mustang in his films. His dedication to mastering flight is a central part of his life and professional work. He is recognized within the aviation community for his high level of technical skill and commitment to flight excellence.

Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman did not start his flying journey until he was sixty five years old but he quickly earned his commercial pilot license. He is qualified to operate several different types of aircraft including a Cessna 414 and a Swearingen SJ30. The actor frequently flies himself across the country for various filming assignments and personal appearances. His late start in aviation has not stopped him from becoming a highly competent and respected pilot. He has spoken often about the freedom and peace he finds while navigating the open skies.

Kurt Russell

Kurt Russell is a seasoned aviator who has held a commercial pilot license for many years. He developed a love for flying early in life and has owned several different types of aircraft throughout his career. The ‘Tombstone’ star often spends his free time in the air and enjoys the technical challenges of navigating complex flight paths. He is part of a long tradition of Hollywood stars who find solace in the cockpit away from the pressures of fame. His skill as a pilot is well known among his peers in both the film and aviation industries.

Dennis Quaid

Dennis Quaid earned his commercial pilot license and has a multi engine instrument rating that allows him to fly in various weather conditions. He has owned several high performance aircraft including a Cessna Citation jet which he flies for both business and leisure. The actor often uses his flying skills to support charitable causes and participate in aviation events. He has described the focus required for flying as a perfect contrast to the creative demands of acting in films like ‘The Right Stuff’. His commitment to maintaining his flight proficiency is a testament to his dedication to the craft of aviation.

Bruce Dickinson

Bruce Dickinson is famous as the lead singer of Iron Maiden but he has also worked as a professional commercial airline pilot. He held a position with the now defunct Astraeus Airlines and even flew the band around the world in a customized Boeing 747. The performer is also an actor and host who has appeared in various television specials about history and technology. He possesses a transport pilot license which is one of the highest certifications an aviator can achieve. His ability to balance a legendary music career with a professional flying career is widely admired.

Lorenzo Lamas

Lorenzo Lamas is best known for his roles in ‘Falcon Crest’ and ‘Renegade’ but he also has a successful second career in aviation. He holds a commercial helicopter pilot license and has worked professionally flying tourists over the Grand Canyon. The actor turned to professional flying as a way to diversify his skills and pursue his passion for the sky. He has logged thousands of hours in the cockpit and takes his responsibilities as a commercial pilot very seriously. His transition from television star to professional aviator highlights his versatility and dedication to new challenges.

Treat Williams

Treat Williams was a highly accomplished pilot who held a commercial license with multiple ratings for over thirty years. He was qualified to fly both airplanes and helicopters and frequently spent time in the air near his home in Vermont. The actor from ‘Everwood’ often shared his love for aviation with his fans and participated in numerous flight safety programs. He viewed flying as a serious discipline that required constant practice and sharp mental focus. His long history in the cockpit made him one of the most respected aviators in the entertainment business.

Dave Coulier

Dave Coulier is widely recognized for his role as Joey Gladstone on ‘Full House’ but many fans are unaware of his commercial pilot license. He has been flying since he was a teenager and has earned several advanced ratings over the years. The actor often flies his own Beechcraft Bonanza and enjoys the technical aspects of cross country navigation. He has been a vocal advocate for general aviation and frequently attends major airshows across the country. His skill in the air is a significant part of his life that exists outside of his comedy and acting career.

Sydney Pollack

Sydney Pollack was an Academy Award winning director and actor who was also a dedicated commercial pilot. He was often seen flying his own private jet to film locations around the world for projects like ‘Out of Africa’. His technical knowledge of aviation sometimes influenced his work behind the camera and provided a unique perspective on storytelling. He maintained a high level of proficiency and was respected for his professional approach to every flight he commanded. His love for the sky remained a constant throughout his storied career in the film industry.

Kris Kristofferson

Kris Kristofferson is a legendary singer and actor who served as a commercial helicopter pilot before his rise to fame. He was a flight lead in the Army and later worked in the oil industry flying workers to offshore platforms. His experience in the cockpit provided him with a unique set of skills that he carried into his creative life in ‘A Star Is Born’. While he eventually focused on his entertainment career his background as a professional pilot remained an important part of his personal history. He is often cited as one of the most rugged and versatile figures in Hollywood history.

Jimmy Buffett

Jimmy Buffett was a beloved singer and actor who held a commercial pilot license for both land and sea planes. He famously flew his own Grumman Albatross and other vintage aircraft to his various concert venues and business meetings. The performer often incorporated his love for aviation into his music and his overall brand of coastal relaxation. He was a highly skilled pilot who understood the complexities of flying in diverse environments and weather patterns. His adventures in the sky were a major part of the persona that fans adored for decades.

Christopher Reeve

Christopher Reeve was best known for his iconic portrayal of the title character in ‘Superman’ and was also a very talented commercial pilot. He held several ratings and was an expert at sailplane racing and long distance flight navigation. The actor frequently used his own aircraft to travel to different events and enjoy the freedom of the air. He was a dedicated member of the aviation community and advocated for the sport of soaring. His passion for flight was a central theme in both his professional and personal life.

Matthew Fox

Matthew Fox gained worldwide fame for his starring role in ‘Lost’ but he spends much of his time today as a commercial pilot. He moved to the mountains to pursue his love for the sky and frequently flies his own aircraft for personal travel. The actor has spoken about the meditative quality of flying and the precision required to safely operate a plane. He maintains a quiet life away from the spotlight and focuses much of his energy on his aviation certifications. His dedication to mastering the cockpit shows a deep commitment to his second career.

Gérard Depardieu

Gérard Depardieu is one of the most prolific actors in French cinema and is also a holder of a commercial pilot license. He has logged many hours flying across Europe and has owned several different types of aircraft throughout his life. The actor enjoys the independence that comes with being able to pilot his own journeys between film sets and his various business ventures. He has often expressed a great deal of respect for the technical requirements and safety protocols of professional aviation. His life in the air provides a private escape from his busy career in the public eye.

David Soul

David Soul became a household name in the television series ‘Starsky and Hutch’ and was also a trained commercial pilot. He spent a significant amount of time in the cockpit and valued the discipline required to maintain his flight status. The actor often flew himself to various engagements and enjoyed the technical challenges of modern aviation. He was known among his friends and colleagues for his love of the sky and his professional approach to flying. His career in the air was a significant but often overlooked aspect of his multifaceted life.

Clint Eastwood

Clint Eastwood is a legendary actor and director who holds a commercial pilot license specifically for helicopters. He has been flying for many years and often uses his helicopter to commute to movie sets to avoid traffic and save time. The star of ‘Unforgiven’ enjoys the unique challenges of vertical flight and the precision required to land in tight spaces. He is known for his calm and focused demeanor which serves him well both on the film set and in the cockpit. His commitment to aviation has been a consistent part of his long and successful career.

Michael Dorn

Michael Dorn is famous for his role as Worf in ‘Star Trek’ but he is also a highly accomplished commercial pilot. He has owned several fighter jets and is qualified to fly multiple types of high performance aircraft. The actor frequently participates in airshows and is a member of several vintage aviation organizations. He takes great pride in his technical skills and has logged a significant number of hours in the air. His passion for flying is well known among fans of the science fiction franchise and within the pilot community.

Tim McGraw

Tim McGraw is a massive star in both country music and film who earned his commercial pilot license to manage his busy schedule. He often flies his own Cirrus SR22 to reach concert dates and filming locations across the country. The actor from ‘1883’ finds that flying provides him with a sense of control and relaxation amidst a demanding career. He has worked hard to achieve advanced ratings and continues to practice his skills regularly to ensure safety. His ability to pilot his own aircraft has become an essential part of his professional life.

John Denver

John Denver was a world famous singer and actor who was a deeply committed commercial pilot. He held an array of ratings and was known for flying his own Learjet to various performances and environmental events. The star of ‘Oh God’ was a passionate advocate for aviation and frequently spoke about the spiritual connection he felt while in flight. He possessed a high level of technical knowledge and was always looking to expand his skills with new types of aircraft. His legacy in the air is as enduring as his contributions to music and film.

James Stewart

James Stewart was a legendary actor who also reached the rank of Brigadier General in the Air Force Reserve and held a commercial pilot license. He flew numerous combat missions during World War II and continued to fly complex military and civilian aircraft for decades. The star of ‘It Is A Wonderful Life’ was respected globally for his genuine skill and bravery in the cockpit. He often used his expertise to advise on films that featured aviation themes and remained active in the pilot community. His military and civilian flying record is one of the most distinguished in Hollywood history.

Clark Gable

Clark Gable was the king of Hollywood and a dedicated aviator who served as a bomber observer and held a commercial license. He spent a significant amount of time around aircraft during his military service and maintained his interest in flying after the war. The actor from ‘Gone With The Wind’ valued the technical proficiency and the sense of adventure that aviation provided. He was known to fly for personal reasons and enjoyed the privacy that being in the air afforded him. His connection to flight was a significant part of his larger than life persona.

Cliff Robertson

Cliff Robertson won an Academy Award for ‘Charly’ and was also a world class pilot with a commercial license. He owned a diverse collection of aircraft including vintage biplanes and modern jets and was a regular at major aviation events. The actor was a staunch supporter of aviation history and worked to preserve several historic planes for future generations. He was highly regarded for his stick and rudder skills and his deep knowledge of aeronautical engineering. His presence in the hangar was just as common as his presence on the movie set.

Gene Roddenberry

Gene Roddenberry is the creator of ‘Star Trek’ and was a commercial pilot for Pan American World Airways before his television career. He flew the clipper routes across the Atlantic and was a veteran of many hours in the cockpit of large transport planes. His experiences as a professional pilot heavily influenced the naval and aviation structure of his famous space franchise. He maintained a high level of respect for the procedures and discipline of flight throughout his entire life. His time as a commercial aviator provided the foundation for the futuristic worlds he would later create.

George Montgomery

George Montgomery was a well known actor in Western films who was also a highly skilled commercial pilot. He was a veteran of the Army Air Corps and continued to fly his own planes for many years after his service ended. The actor enjoyed the freedom of the air and often used his aircraft to travel between his various creative projects. He was respected by his peers for his technical abilities and his long standing commitment to the aviation community. His life as a pilot was a perfect match for his rugged on screen image.

Henry Fonda

Henry Fonda was an iconic actor who served in the Navy during World War II and held a commercial pilot license for much of his life. He was known for his quiet and professional demeanor which translated well to the precision required for flying. The star of ’12 Angry Men’ enjoyed the solitude of solo flight and frequently used his aircraft for personal travel. He maintained his flight currency for many years and was considered a very capable and safe pilot by those who flew with him. His love for aviation was a private passion that he maintained throughout his illustrious career.

Tyrone Power

Tyrone Power was a major star of the silver screen who served as a transport pilot in the Marine Corps and held a commercial license. He flew many missions in the Pacific theater and was responsible for transporting supplies and wounded soldiers. After the war he continued to fly for personal and professional reasons and often piloted himself to distant film locations. He was recognized for his genuine skill and his dedication to the responsibilities of being a pilot. His military service and civilian flying were central parts of his identity outside of acting.

Robert Stack

Robert Stack was a famous actor known for ‘The Untouchables’ and was also an avid commercial pilot and world record holding marksman. He spent many hours in the air and enjoyed the challenge of mastering different types of aircraft. The actor was known for his disciplined approach to every hobby and profession he pursued and aviation was no exception. He frequently participated in aviation events and was a familiar face in the general aviation community for many decades. His skills in the cockpit were a source of great personal pride throughout his life.

Hugh O’Brian

Hugh O’Brian was best known for his role as Wyatt Earp and was also a dedicated pilot with a commercial license. He was a former Marine who carried his military discipline into his flight training and subsequent aviation career. The actor often flew himself to various appearances and enjoyed the technical aspects of cross country navigation. He was a strong advocate for youth leadership and often used his platform to encourage young people to pursue careers in aviation. His commitment to the sky was a significant part of his long and active life.

James Garner

James Garner was a beloved actor who starred in ‘The Rockford Files’ and was also a highly competent commercial pilot. He possessed a natural talent for operating machinery and was as comfortable in the cockpit of a plane as he was behind the wheel of a race car. The actor enjoyed the technical demands of flying and used his aircraft to travel to various film locations and sporting events. He was known for his down to earth personality and his professional approach to all of his aviation endeavors. His legacy as a pilot remains an interesting chapter of his storied career.

Ernest Borgnine

Ernest Borgnine was an Academy Award winning actor who served in the Navy and was also a licensed pilot. He held a commercial certificate and enjoyed flying small planes as a way to escape the pressures of his busy acting schedule. The star of ‘Marty’ was known for his jovial personality and his love for adventure on both land and sea. He often spoke about the thrill of taking off and the unique perspective that flying provided on the world. His time in the air was a cherished part of his long and successful life.

Patrick Swayze

Patrick Swayze was a multitalented actor and dancer who also held a commercial pilot license and owned several planes. He was a highly skilled aviator who often flew himself to film sets and enjoyed the freedom of the open sky. The star of ‘Dirty Dancing’ was known for his athletic ability and his dedication to mastering any skill he attempted including complex flight maneuvers. He found that flying provided a sense of peace and clarity that was essential to his well being. His passion for aviation remained a constant throughout his life and career in the spotlight.

Christopher Masterson

Christopher Masterson is best known for his role as Francis in ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ and is also a commercial pilot. He has spent a significant amount of time building his flight hours and earning advanced ratings in the aviation industry. The actor often shares his flying experiences with his followers and is very active in the pilot community. He takes a very professional approach to his time in the cockpit and views flying as a serious and rewarding career path. His transition into the world of professional aviation shows his dedication to personal growth and technical excellence.

Gene Hackman

Gene Hackman is a legendary actor who has won two Academy Awards and is also a trained pilot with a commercial license. He served in the Marine Corps and later found that flying provided a similar sense of structure and discipline. The actor has owned several aircraft and enjoyed the challenge of navigating through different types of terrain and weather. He has always been a private individual and aviation offered him a way to travel and explore away from the public eye. His skill as a pilot is another example of his many talents outside of the film industry.

Bill Goldberg

Bill Goldberg is a famous professional wrestler and actor who holds a commercial pilot license for helicopters. He has a deep passion for aviation and has spent many years perfecting his skills in vertical flight. The performer often uses his helicopter for personal travel and enjoys the technical complexity of operating such a versatile machine. He is known for his intense focus and physical strength which serve him well in the demanding environment of the cockpit. His achievement of a commercial rating highlights his commitment to excellence in every field he enters.

Howard Hughes

Howard Hughes was a legendary figure who was both a successful film producer and one of the most famous commercial pilots in history. He set numerous airspeed records and was the driving force behind the development of several iconic aircraft and airlines. The director of ‘Hell’s Angels’ was known for his obsessive attention to detail and his willingness to risk his life for aviation progress. He held various transport and commercial licenses and was respected by professional pilots around the world. His impact on both the film and aviation industries is still felt today.

Gene Autry

Gene Autry was the original singing cowboy and a dedicated aviator who served as a flight officer and held a commercial license. During World War II he flew large cargo planes over the Himalayas in the dangerous mission known as flying the Hump. After his military service he continued to fly his own planes for both business and personal reasons throughout his career. He was a highly respected pilot who understood the importance of safety and professional training in the air. His legacy as a pilot is a testament to his bravery and his love for the sky.

Roy Rogers

Roy Rogers was a massive star of Western films and television who was also a very accomplished commercial pilot. He often flew his own aircraft to reach different filming locations and rodeo appearances across the country. The actor was known for his professional approach to flying and his commitment to maintaining his technical skills. He was part of a generation of Hollywood stars who saw aviation as both a practical tool and a rewarding personal pursuit. His life in the air was an important part of his identity as one of the most iconic figures in American entertainment.

Share which of these celebrity pilots surprised you the most in the comments.