Being a pilot is a dream few pursue—but for some celebrities, it’s a passion that takes them far beyond the red carpet. Whether driven by adrenaline, curiosity, or a lifelong love of aviation, these stars have earned their wings and taken to the skies as licensed pilots. From blockbuster movie icons to rock legends, their talents aren’t limited to stage and screen—they also command cockpits with confidence and skill.
In this article, we spotlight five celebrities who not only shine in their industries but also share a serious love for flying. From humanitarian missions to piloting jumbo jets, these famous faces prove that the sky is not the limit—it’s just the beginning.
1. John Travolta
Apart from being a highly acclaimed actor, John Travolta is also a certified pilot owning a Gulfstream II, Boeing 707, and Boeing 747. He lives in an exquisite aviation estate in Florida, where he has the luxury of taxiing his planes to his home. Travolta’s fleet includes a Bombardier Challenger 601, an Eclipse 500, as well as a Dassault Falcon 900 and several Gulfstream jets.
2. Harrison Ford
A Cessna 680 Sovereign, as well as a de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver, and a Bell 407 helicopter make up Harrison Ford‘s personal collection of aircraft. Most popular for his role in Star Wars, Ford is a licensed helicopter and fixed wing pilot. He’s put his pilot qualifications to use for a number of humanitarian missions, including search and rescue operations in Wyoming.
3. Angelina Jolie
Actor and philanthropist Angelina Jolie acquired her private pilot’s license in 2005, motivated by his son Maddux who had a love for planes. Along with her humanitarian pursuits, Jolie also flies to the various regions that she volunteers in. She owns a Cessna 208 Grand Caravan and a Cirrus SR22.
4. Tom Cruise
After earning his pilot’s license in 1994, Tom Cruise became a stuntman in some of his movies. He is best known for doing his stunts in real time and not through computer-generated images.His collection includes multiple aircraft such as a Gulfstream IV and a classic P-51 Mustang. Cruise’s band of flying skills is highlighted in movies such as Top Gun: Maverick, where he did a large portion of the cinematic flight sequences himself.
5. Bruce Dickinson
The lead vocalist of Iron Maiden, Bruce Dickinson, is an accredited comercial aviator. He has flown for commercial airlines, and even ferried Iron Maiden’s customized Boeing 747, nicknamed “Ed Force One,” during international tours. He is also the owner of Cardiff Aviation, a company that specializes in aircraft maintenance and pilot training.
Conclusion
These examples highlight the incredible achievements people can accomplish in other fields thanks to passion and hard work. No matter the reason why, their engagement with aviation draws attention to the myriad ways people can embrace flight, whether out of personal interest or philanthropy.
