Actresses Who Have Surprisingly Earned Their Pilot Licenses

The world of Hollywood often requires actors to develop unique skills for their roles but some stars take their training much further. Several high profile actresses have transitioned from the silver screen to the cockpit by earning their official pilot licenses. These women have dedicated hundreds of hours to mastering aviation mechanics and flight safety to navigate the skies independently. This list highlights the diverse range of actresses who have traded their scripts for flight logs and achieved significant milestones in aviation history.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie became a licensed private pilot in 2004 after being inspired by her son’s interest in aircraft. She spent several years training to fly a variety of planes including a high performance Cirrus SR22. The actress famously demonstrated her flying skills in the documentary ‘The Queen’s Green Planet’ while operating a plane over the Namibian desert. She is also instrument rated which allows her to fly in low visibility and complex weather conditions. Her commitment to aviation has led her to incorporate flying into her humanitarian missions across the globe.

Gisele Bündchen

Gisele Bündchen earned her license to fly helicopters in 2009 after several months of intensive training. She decided to learn to fly while she was pregnant with her first child as a way to engage in a new intellectual challenge. The actress and model performed her final check ride in a Robinson R44 helicopter near her home in New England. She has used her skills to travel more efficiently and has expressed a deep appreciation for the technical precision required for flight. Her accomplishment made headlines as she balanced her career and motherhood with her newfound aviation hobby.

Hilary Swank

Hilary Swank began taking flight lessons to prepare for the title role in the biopic ‘Amelia’. During the filming process she found that she had a natural aptitude for flying and continued her training beyond the production schedule. She successfully completed her solo flight and received her license shortly after the project concluded. The actress often discusses how the perspective from the air provides a unique sense of peace and freedom. She remains an active member of the aviation community and continues to log hours whenever her schedule allows.

Nicole Kidman

Nicole Kidman is a licensed private pilot who earned her wings as a way to conquer her personal goals. She followed in the footsteps of family members who had a long history of interest in navigation and travel. The actress primarily flies fixed wing aircraft and has maintained her certification for many years. She enjoys the privacy and autonomy that comes with being able to pilot her own trips across different continents. Her interest in flying reflects her desire for adventure and her commitment to mastering difficult technical disciplines.

Teri Hatcher

Teri Hatcher is well known for her role in ‘Desperate Housewives’ but she is also an accomplished pilot. She earned her license several years ago and frequently flies her own aircraft for personal travel. The actress has shared that the focused nature of flying helps her disconnect from the pressures of the entertainment industry. She often encourages other women to pursue aviation as a means of building confidence and technical proficiency. Hatcher remains a dedicated pilot who prioritizes safety and ongoing education in the field of flight.

Marisol Nichols

Marisol Nichols is an actress known for ‘Riverdale’ who holds a private pilot license for single engine airplanes. She developed an interest in aviation after taking an introductory flight lesson and quickly became hooked on the experience. The actress spent a year completing the necessary coursework and flight hours to meet the requirements for certification. She frequently shares her flying experiences with her fans to promote the inclusion of women in the aviation industry. Nichols views her time in the air as a way to maintain a sense of adventure in her professional life.

Carol Vorderman

Carol Vorderman is a British television star and actress who earned her private pilot license in 2013. She gained national attention for her goal to fly solo around the world and documented her training progress extensively. The actress often flies a twin engine aircraft and has participated in numerous aviation events to support young pilots. She is an ambassador for the Royal Air Force Air Cadets and uses her platform to advocate for science and technology education. Her passion for the skies has led her to become one of the most recognizable faces in the aviation community.

Kelly McGillis

Kelly McGillis starred in the iconic film ‘Top Gun’ but she actually earned her real life pilot license years later. Her role as a flight instructor in the movie sparked a genuine curiosity about the mechanics of aviation. She eventually pursued her certification and spent time flying small aircraft for personal recreation. The actress has spoken about the rigorous nature of flight school and the satisfaction of mastering the controls. Her connection to the aviation world remains a significant part of her personal legacy outside of her acting career.

Michelle Williams

Michelle Williams is a multi talented actress and singer who discovered a passion for flying early in her career. She completed the requirements for her pilot license and enjoys operating small aircraft during her downtime. The star has often utilized her skills to navigate between different project locations without the need for commercial travel. She appreciates the technical discipline required for maintaining a license and stays current with her flight training. Her ability to pilot a plane adds a unique dimension to her public profile as a versatile performer.

Brie Larson

Brie Larson underwent extensive flight training to prepare for her lead role in the superhero film ‘Captain Marvel’. She worked closely with actual pilots from the United States Air Force and gained enough experience to qualify for her own license. The actress has shared that the physical and mental demands of learning to fly helped her connect with her character. She continues to support aviation initiatives and has expressed interest in furthering her skills in the cockpit. Her journey from the studio to the sky highlights her dedication to authentic portrayals in her work.

Rosamund Pike

Rosamund Pike received flight instruction while working on the historical drama ‘A United Kingdom’. She became so invested in the process that she followed through with the necessary requirements to become a licensed pilot. The actress has noted that the challenge of learning to fly provided a welcome contrast to her work on camera. She enjoys the isolation and focus required for a successful flight and often spends her vacations in the air. Her achievement demonstrates her willingness to master complex skills for both personal and professional growth.

Kim Rhodes

Kim Rhodes is best known for her roles in ‘Supernatural’ and ‘The Suite Life of Zack and Cody’. She earned her pilot license after deciding to take up a hobby that was entirely different from her acting work. The actress frequently discusses her love for aviation on social media and encourages her followers to try discovery flights. She takes pride in the technical knowledge she has acquired through her years of training and practice. Rhodes views flying as a transformative experience that has changed her perspective on the world.

Deidre Hall

Deidre Hall has been a staple of the soap opera ‘Days of Our Lives’ for decades and is also a certified pilot. She pursued her license as a personal challenge and has maintained her flying status for many years. The actress enjoys the precision and focus required to operate an aircraft safely in various conditions. She has often used her platform to discuss the importance of lifelong learning and personal development through hobbies. Her long career in aviation serves as an inspiration to her fans and colleagues in the television industry.

Myleene Klass

Myleene Klass is a British actress and presenter who gained her pilot license after a rigorous period of study and practice. She was inspired to learn to fly by her grandfather who served as a pilot during his career. The actress documented her journey through flight school and often shares the joy she finds in being at the controls. She is a strong advocate for women in aviation and uses her visibility to encourage girls to pursue careers in flight. Klass continues to fly regularly and views it as a vital part of her personal identity.

Jennifer Westfeldt

Jennifer Westfeldt is an actress and screenwriter who earned her private pilot license as a personal goal. She dedicated herself to the necessary ground school and flight hours required to achieve her certification. The star of ‘Kissing Jessica Stein’ has mentioned that flying offers a unique sense of accomplishment that is different from creative work. She finds the structured environment of aviation to be a healthy balance to the unpredictable nature of show business. Her ability to navigate the skies reflects her disciplined approach to learning difficult skills.

Kate Capshaw

Kate Capshaw is an actress known for her role in ‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom’ and is also a licensed pilot. She earned her wings several decades ago and has maintained an interest in aviation throughout her life. The actress has often flown private planes for her family and for personal travel between film sets. She appreciates the technical mastery required for flight and the sense of responsibility that comes with being a pilot. Her involvement in the aviation world is a lesser known but significant aspect of her multifaceted life.

Ruth Chatterton

Ruth Chatterton was a prominent actress during the early years of Hollywood and a pioneer in the aviation field. She earned her pilot license in the 1930s and became one of the most famous female aviators of her time. The star of ‘Dodsworth’ participated in numerous air races and used her celebrity status to promote the growth of civil aviation. She was a close friend of Amelia Earhart and often flew her own plane to attend industry events. Her legacy as an actress and a pilot helped pave the way for future generations of women in flight.

Mary Pickford

Mary Pickford was one of the most influential actresses in silent film history and an early advocate for aviation. She earned her pilot license during the infancy of flight and was a frequent passenger and operator of early aircraft. The actress used her wealth and influence to support the development of the aviation industry in the United States. She viewed flying as a symbol of progress and modernity and encouraged others to embrace the new technology. Her early participation in aviation remains a testament to her adventurous spirit and forward thinking nature.

Fay Wray

Fay Wray is forever remembered for her role in the original ‘King Kong’ but she was also a certified pilot. She developed an interest in flying during the golden age of aviation and completed the training required for her license. The actress enjoyed the thrill of the air and often spent her time away from the studio at local airfields. She was part of a small group of Hollywood stars who embraced the exciting world of early flight. Wray maintained her love for aviation throughout her long and successful career in the film industry.

Ginger Rogers

Ginger Rogers was a legendary actress and dancer who also mastered the art of flying. She earned her private pilot license in the late 1930s and was known to fly her own plane to various locations across the country. The star of ‘Top Hat’ found that flying provided a sense of independence and adventure that complimented her busy career. She was an active member of the flying community and often associated with other famous aviators of the era. Her skills in the cockpit demonstrated her versatility and her commitment to excellence in all of her pursuits.

Myrna Loy

Myrna Loy was a celebrated actress known for ‘The Thin Man’ series and a dedicated supporter of aviation. She earned her pilot license during the 1930s and was deeply involved in the promotion of air travel. The actress worked closely with aviation organizations and even served as a member of the National Committee for Aeronautics. She found the discipline of flying to be a rewarding challenge and enjoyed the community of fellow pilots. Her contributions to both the film industry and aviation history have left a lasting impact on American culture.

Susan Oliver

Susan Oliver was a prolific actress who appeared in ‘Star Trek’ and was a world class pilot. She earned her commercial pilot license and set several world records for female aviators during the 1960s. The actress was the fourth woman to fly a single engine aircraft solo across the Atlantic Ocean. She even participated in the Reno Air Races and wrote a book about her experiences in the cockpit. Her career as a pilot was just as successful as her acting work and she remains an icon in the aviation world.

Karine Vanasse

Karine Vanasse is a Canadian actress known for her roles in ‘Pan Am’ and ‘Revenge’ who is also a licensed pilot. Her interest in aviation was heightened by her role as a flight attendant in a television series about the golden age of travel. She pursued her private pilot license and completed the rigorous training required for certification in Canada. The actress enjoys the perspective that flying provides and often shares her aerial photography with her fans. She continues to advocate for the history of aviation and the empowerment of women in the cockpit.

Hermione Norris

Hermione Norris is a British actress known for ‘Cold Feet’ and ‘Spooks’ who holds a private pilot license. She earned her certification as a way to challenge herself and gain a new perspective on her surroundings. The actress has spoken about the immense concentration required for flying and how it helps her clear her mind. She enjoys taking to the skies for personal recreation and has maintained her flying hours over the years. Her achievement in aviation adds a layer of technical skill to her impressive professional background.

Emma Noble

Emma Noble is an actress and model who successfully earned her pilot license after years of interest in the field. She completed her flight training at a traditional school and has since logged many hours in single engine planes. The actress has mentioned that the process of learning to navigate and communicate with air traffic control was a significant mental hurdle. She enjoys the freedom of being able to fly herself to different locations and remains active in the flying community. Her dedication to the craft of aviation is a point of personal pride for her.

Kris Jenner

Kris Jenner is primarily known for her work in reality television but she also holds a pilot license. She earned her certification many years ago and has used her skills to navigate private aircraft for her family. While she is most often seen as a manager and producer she has maintained her interest in the mechanics of flight. Her ability to operate an aircraft is one of the many technical skills she has acquired throughout her diverse career. She remains a notable example of a public figure with a surprising background in aviation.

Sarah Ferguson

Sarah Ferguson is an author and actress who famously earned her pilot license to fly helicopters. She pursued her training with the Royal Air Force and received her wings in the late 1980s. The Duchess has appeared in various television roles and has used her flying skills for charitable purposes. She has often spoken about the thrill of being in command of a helicopter and the focus it requires. Her commitment to aviation has remained a significant part of her public life and personal achievements.

Margaret Sullavan

Margaret Sullavan was a highly regarded actress of the 1930s and 1940s who was also an avid pilot. She earned her license during a time when few women were active in the aviation industry. The star of ‘The Shop Around the Corner’ frequently flew her own plane to escape the pressures of Hollywood life. She was known for her adventurous spirit and her love for the technical aspects of flight. Her legacy as an actress is intertwined with her identity as a pioneering woman in the skies.

Ruth Elder

Ruth Elder was an actress and a pioneer aviator who became famous for her attempt to fly across the Atlantic. She earned her pilot license in the late 1920s and parlayed her aviation fame into a successful career in silent films. Known as the Miss of the Air she starred in movies like ‘Moran of the Marines’ alongside other big stars of the era. Her courage in the cockpit and her charm on the screen made her a major celebrity in early American culture. She remains a symbol of the close connection between the entertainment industry and the growth of aviation.

Gul Panag

Gul Panag is an Indian actress and former beauty queen who earned her private pilot license in 2016. She spent years training at a flight academy to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a pilot. The actress often shares videos of her solo flights and promotes aviation as a viable career path for young women in India. She is also an advocate for road safety and fitness which aligns with the disciplined lifestyle of a pilot. Her achievement has made her one of the most prominent female aviators in the Indian film industry.

Miranda Lambert

Miranda Lambert is a country music superstar and actress who holds a private pilot license. She pursued aviation as a way to gain more independence and to manage her travel between tour dates and filming locations. The actress has appeared in series like ‘Law and Order Special Victims Unit’ and balances her screen work with her time in the air. She finds the challenge of navigating an aircraft to be a rewarding escape from her public life. Her ability to fly is a testament to her drive to master new skills and explore the world from above.

Share your favorite stories about these talented pilots in the comments.