13 Celebs You Didn’t Know Were Pilots

When we think of celebrities, our minds often conjure up images of glamorous red-carpet appearances, lavish lifestyles, and a seemingly endless pursuit of fame and fortune. However, beyond the glitz and glam, many famous personalities have hidden talents and passions that defy the stereotypical celebrity mold. One such unexpected skill that has captivated the public’s imagination is the ability to pilot an aircraft.

Contrary to the perception of celebrities as detached from the realities of everyday life, a surprising number of famous individuals, ranging from actors and musicians to athletes and even royalty, have obtained their pilot’s licenses and taken to the skies. These individuals have diverse reasons for their aviation pursuits, from a lifelong passion for flight to a desire to honor family legacies or simply a need for the thrill and independence that comes with piloting their own planes.

In this comprehensive article, we will explore the stories of 13 Celebs You Didn’t Know Were Pilots. From Hollywood superstars to country music icons, these individuals have proven that the sky is indeed the limit when it comes to their talents and interests. Prepare to be amazed as we delve into the unexpected aviation adventures of some of the most famous names in the world.

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1. Kris Kristofferson

Kris Kristofferson, the legendary country music singer-songwriter, is not just a master of the guitar and lyrical storytelling – he’s also a skilled pilot. Unlike many celebrities who have taken up flying later in life, Kristofferson’s aviation journey began during his military service.

As a young man, Kristofferson joined the Army and underwent rigorous training to become a helicopter pilot. He even completed the notoriously intense Ranger School, showcasing his dedication and discipline. This early exposure to aviation would later shape Kristofferson’s lifelong passion for flying.

Even after his successful music career took off, Kristofferson maintained his love for the skies. He has been known to pilot his own private aircraft, using his flying skills to navigate between his various musical engagements and personal commitments. Kristofferson’s ability to seamlessly blend his artistic pursuits with his aviation expertise is a testament to his versatility and adventurous spirit.

2. Phil Mickelson

Phil Mickelson, the professional golfer with a decorated career spanning decades, is not only a master of the golf course but also a skilled pilot. Mickelson’s love for aviation was sparked by his father, who served as a pilot in the military.

Although Mickelson himself never joined the armed forces, he decided to pursue his own pilot’s license in the mid-1990s as a tribute to his father’s legacy. Since then, Mickelson has become known as one of the most prolific celebrity pilots, often using his private plane to travel to golf tournaments and family events.

While Mickelson may prefer to leave the piloting of his larger private jet to the professionals, he has demonstrated his prowess with smaller aircraft, showcasing his ability to multitask and balance his demanding golfing career with his passion for aviation.

3. Kurt Russell

Kurt Russell, the acclaimed actor known for his roles in iconic action films and Westerns, is not just a talented performer – he’s also a licensed pilot. Russell’s passion for aviation was inspired by his grandfather, who was an aerobatic pilot and worked for TWA.

As an adult, Russell regretted not spending more time with his grandfather and learning about his passion for flying. This led him to pursue his own pilot’s license, which he obtained later in life. Russell now owns several planes, including a Piaggio Avanti 180, and is even IFR-certified, meaning he can fly in foggy conditions.

But Russell’s connection to aviation doesn’t end there. In 1997, he was the anonymous pilot who reported the “Phoenix Lights,” a mysterious V-formation of lights over the Phoenix airport that remains one of the most famous UFO sightings in modern history. This bizarre incident has only added to Russell’s mystique as a true Renaissance man, equally at home in the cockpit as he is on the silver screen.

4. Tim McGraw

Tim McGraw, the beloved country music superstar, is another celebrity who has taken to the skies with his pilot’s license. Unlike some of the other famous pilots on this list, McGraw prefers to keep his aviation pursuits on the smaller scale.

McGraw is the proud owner of a Cirrus Vision SF50, a lightweight American-produced sports airplane. He frequently uses this aircraft to jet around the country and perform at different venues, seamlessly blending his musical career with his love for flying.

Adding a touch of romance to his aviation endeavors, McGraw’s plane allegedly features a sticker on the window that says “Faith” in honor of his wife, fellow country music icon Faith Hill. This personal touch reflects the deep connection between McGraw’s passions for music, family, and the freedom of the open skies.

5. Hilary Swank

For some celebrities, their passion for aviation goes beyond just obtaining a pilot’s license – it becomes an integral part of their craft. Hilary Swank, the acclaimed actress, is one such example.

When Swank was cast to play the role of legendary pilot Amelia Earhart in the 2009 film “Amelia,” the producers wanted her to look comfortable in the cockpit. To achieve this, they encouraged Swank to learn how to fly a plane. What started as a requirement for the movie ultimately led Swank to pursue her full pilot’s license, showcasing her dedication to her craft and her newfound love for aviation.

Swank’s commitment to embodying her character’s passion for flight is a testament to her acting prowess and her willingness to go the extra mile to bring authenticity to her roles. By taking the time to become a licensed pilot, Swank not only enhanced her performance but also discovered a personal passion that has continued to enrich her life.

6. Gisele Bündchen

Gisele Bündchen, the renowned supermodel and businesswoman, is a shining example of a celebrity who has expanded her horizons beyond the catwalk. In addition to her impressive career and philanthropic endeavors, Bündchen has also earned her pilot’s license.

Unlike many of the other celebrities on this list, Bündchen’s motivation for becoming a pilot was not inspired by a family member or a long-standing passion for aviation. Instead, her need for the skill was more immediate – she wanted to be able to help herself and her family in the event of an emergency on a flight.

Bündchen’s determination to become a licensed pilot is even more impressive considering that she achieved this feat while heavily pregnant, proving that no obstacle can stand in the way of her ambitions. This supermodel’s ability to seamlessly blend her high-profile career with her aviation skills is a testament to her multifaceted talents and her commitment to being prepared for any eventuality.

7. Clint Eastwood

Clint Eastwood, the legendary actor and director known for his iconic roles in Westerns and action movies, is another celebrity who has taken to the skies. But Eastwood’s aviation pursuits go beyond the typical private plane – he has his own helicopter license.

Eastwood’s love for flying helicopters stems from the solitude and freedom it provides, which he cherishes as a respite from his decades-long career in the spotlight. However, his relationship with aviation has not been without its challenges. In 1951, during his army days, Eastwood narrowly escaped death when the helicopter he was in crashed into the Pacific Ocean.

Despite this harrowing experience, Eastwood’s passion for flying has only grown stronger over the years. His ability to pilot his own helicopter is a testament to his adventurous spirit and his unwavering determination to pursue his interests, even in the face of adversity.

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8. Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie is a true Renaissance woman, known for her acclaimed acting career, her extensive humanitarian work, and her advocacy for various causes. But among her many talents, Jolie can also add “pilot” to her impressive resume.

Jolie’s journey into aviation was sparked by her son Maddox’s interest in planes. In 2004, she decided to get her pilot’s license, and since then, she has even piloted planes on-screen for her role in a few documentaries. Jolie’s aviation skills have also allowed her to purchase her own planes, further indulging her passion for flight.

However, Jolie’s pilot’s license was briefly suspended in 2013 when she forgot to renew her plane’s registration. This minor setback did not deter the multi-talented actress, and she quickly rectified the issue, allowing her to continue soaring through the skies.

9. Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman, the renowned actor whose iconic voice has graced numerous films, is another celebrity who has taken to the skies with his pilot’s license. While Freeman’s acting career has been the focus of his public persona, his love for aviation has been a lifelong passion.

In his youth, Freeman had hoped to become a fighter pilot, joining the Air Force as a radar technician. Although he ultimately pursued a career in acting, the dream of flying never left him. It wasn’t until his sixties that Freeman finally fulfilled this long-held ambition, obtaining his pilot’s license in 2002.

Freeman’s late-in-life pursuit of his aviation dreams is a testament to the power of perseverance and the belief that it’s never too late to chase your passions. His ability to seamlessly transition from the silver screen to the cockpit further solidifies his status as a multi-talented and versatile celebrity.

10. Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise, the iconic actor known for his high-octane action roles, is no stranger to the world of aviation. In fact, Cruise’s on-screen persona as the daring pilot Maverick in the classic film “Top Gun” is not just a work of fiction – it’s rooted in the actor’s own real-life piloting skills.

Cruise obtained his pilot’s license in 1994 and has since become an avid aviation enthusiast. In the highly anticipated sequel to “Top Gun,” aptly titled “Top Gun: Maverick,” Cruise even performed several helicopter and plane maneuvers himself, showcasing his commitment to authenticity and his continued passion for flying.

While Cruise may not have been able to perform the most dangerous aerial stunts for safety reasons, his involvement in the film’s production further solidifies his status as a true aviation aficionado. Cruise’s ability to seamlessly blend his on-screen persona with his real-life piloting prowess is a testament to his dedication and his love for the thrill of flight.

11. Harrison Ford

Harrison Ford, the legendary actor known for his iconic roles in the “Star Wars” and “Indiana Jones” franchises, is another celebrity who has taken to the skies with his pilot’s license. Ford’s love for aviation has been a lifelong pursuit, as he had attempted to save up for flying lessons as a teenager but was ultimately unable to afford them.

It wasn’t until later in life that Ford was able to fulfill his dream of becoming a licensed pilot. He obtained his pilot’s license in his fifties, demonstrating that it’s never too late to pursue one’s passions.

However, Ford’s aviation career has not been without its share of controversy. The actor has been involved in a few incidents, including a crash landing on a golf course in 2015 and a near-miss with a passenger jet in 2017. Despite these setbacks, Ford’s dedication to flying has remained unwavering, showcasing his resilience and his continued love for the freedom and thrill of piloting his own aircraft.

12. Bruce Dickinson

For many celebrities, piloting an aircraft is a hobby or a side pursuit, but for Bruce Dickinson, the lead singer of the iconic heavy metal band Iron Maiden, aviation is a second career.

Dickinson learned to fly in the 1990s and went on to become a pilot for Astraeus Airlines, a charter airline based in Britain. When the airline went out of business in 2011, Dickinson didn’t let that deter him – he started his own aviation company, Cardiff Aviation, allowing him to continue his passion for flying.

Dickinson’s aviation expertise extends beyond just piloting commercial aircraft; he is also known to fly Iron Maiden’s plane when the band goes on tour. This unique combination of musical stardom and aviation prowess has only added to Dickinson’s reputation as a multi-talented and adventurous individual.

13. John Travolta

John Travolta, the acclaimed actor known for his roles in iconic films like “Grease” and “Pulp Fiction,” is another celebrity who has taken to the skies with his pilot’s license. Travolta’s passion for aviation began at a very young age, as he started taking flying lessons when he was just 15 years old.

Over the years, Travolta has continued to pursue his love for flying, obtaining licenses to pilot a variety of aircraft, including the Boeing 737, 747, and 707. In early 2022, the actor announced that he had added another feather to his cap by obtaining a license to pilot the Boeing 737.

Travolta’s dedication to aviation has also extended beyond just personal pursuits. He has served as an ambassador for Qantas, the Australian airline, further showcasing his deep-rooted connection to the world of flight.

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Conclusion

The celebrities featured in this article have shattered the stereotypical image of famous personalities as detached from the realities of everyday life. These individuals have proven that their talents and interests extend far beyond the glitz and glamour of their public personas, with a surprising number of them taking to the skies as licensed pilots.

From country music icons and Hollywood superstars to professional athletes and even royalty, the stories of these celebrity pilots showcase the diversity of their passions and the depth of their abilities. Whether they were inspired by family legacies, a lifelong love of aviation, or a desire to be prepared for emergencies, these individuals have all found a way to incorporate their piloting skills into their lives.

As we have seen, the sky is truly the limit for these famous personalities, who have seamlessly blended their high-profile careers with their unexpected aviation pursuits. Their stories serve as a reminder that there is often more to a celebrity than meets the eye, and that the pursuit of one’s passions can lead to truly remarkable achievements.

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