Ditch the cliché of celebrities lazing around—plenty of A-listers are living electrifying second lives high above the clouds, showing their passions stretch far beyond the red carpet.
It turns out, the skies are full of famous faces who’ve either trained for their pilot license, earned one outright, or flew military aircraft long before their red carpet days. From Hollywood icons to country music legends and even royalty, many high-profile individuals have taken their passion for aviation to altitude, proving that sometimes, even the biggest stars need to escape the spotlight by taking flight.
Why would someone who has everything they could ever want become a pilot? The celebrities on this list have many different reasons. Some have passions for aviation, while others were inspired by their family. Some became pilots because they had to, serving in the military or working as commercial pilots. So buckle up, because we’re taking off into the incredible world of celebrity aviators, starting with these eight amazing individuals who prove that skill, daring, and a love for the open sky know no bounds.
1. Kris Kristofferson
Country Hall-of-Famer Kris Kristofferson isn’t just one of the most famous singer-songwriters in country music and a leading figure in the “Outlaw Country” movement; he’s also a highly skilled pilot with a fascinating backstory. Many celebrities on this list learned to pilot a plane after they became wealthy and bought their own private jet, but Kristofferson’s journey into aviation began under far more high-pressure circumstances, long before his music career took off.
As a young man, Kris Kristofferson joined the Army, where he became a helicopter pilot. This wasn’t just a casual stint; he even completed the notoriously intense Ranger School, showcasing a level of discipline and daring that perfectly aligns with the image of an outlaw country star. His time in the military equipped him with invaluable flying skills and a deep understanding of aviation that would stay with him throughout his life.
In fact, his piloting skills played a legendary role in the early days of his music career. As the story goes, Kris landed a helicopter in the front yard of Johnny Cash to deliver a demo tape that would ultimately launch his singing career. We’ll never know if that’s the way it really happened or if it was embellished by one or both legendary musicians – regardless, it’s completely believable considering Kristofferson’s wild reputation and his proven capabilities in the cockpit.
Kristofferson has truly led several lives in addition to his music career. In his youth, he was a famous athlete and a Rhodes Scholar. His ability to navigate both the demands of military aviation and the cutthroat world of music speaks volumes about his versatile talents and adventurous spirit.
2. Phil Mickelson
Phil Mickelson’s drive isn’t just present on the golf course, where he’s spent decades at the top of the professional game. This pro golfer has another impressive skill he practices in his spare time: he’s a licensed pilot. His love of the air drove him to get his pilot’s license, adding another dimension to his already storied career.
Phil Mickelson, inspired by his military pilot father, earned his pilot’s license in the mid-90s, connecting with aviation as a heartfelt tribute that honors his family legacy while embracing a new passion.
For a while, Phil Mickelson was known as one of the most prolific celebrity pilots, often flying himself across the country to golf events and family gatherings. Imagine seeing him land his own plane before teeing off at a major tournament! For the most part, Mickelson sticks to smaller planes for his personal flights, preferring to let the professionals pilot his larger private jet for convenience.
His commitment to flying showcases that his competitive spirit transcends golf, as both pursuits demand precision, focus, and a serene mindset, truly reflecting the dedication required in every aspect of life.
3. Jimmy Buffett
Getting to Margaritaville is easy when you can fly there yourself! While he is most famous for his easy-listening tunes and tropical escapism, Jimmy Buffett possessed several hidden talents, including one as a truly accomplished pilot. His official website even featured a dedicated section to his profound passion for aviation, showing just how central flying was to his life.
While many celebrities content themselves with being amateur aviation enthusiasts with licenses for private planes, Jimmy Buffett was one of the few who actually held a Commercial Pilot License. This isn’t just flying for fun; it means that if his musical empire and Buffett World somehow didn’t work out, he literally could have flown passenger jets for a living. Talk about a backup career!
The aviation world recognized and appreciated Buffett’s talent and passion for flying, bestowing upon him a unique honor. Proof of this is the BUFIT ONE Departure, a special take-off procedure named after him! Aircrafts taking off from the Palm Beach International Airport departing to the south use what is known as the BUFIT ONE Departure, a testament to his impact.
Buffett owned several aircraft, including seaplanes like the Grumman Albatross “Hemisphere Dancer,” which he famously used for tours and adventures across the Caribbean. He even wrote about flying in his songs and books, seamlessly blending his two great passions into his art. He truly had the flying bug, getting his first taste of aviation back in his university days, and it never left him.
4. Kurt Russell
Kurt Russell is famous for playing swashbuckling action stars and brooding Western cowboys, and it looks as if he is just as much of a lover of adventure in real life. Not content with staying on the ground, the star has his own private pilot’s license, along with single-engine, multi-engine, and instrument ratings, clocking thousands of hours in the air and flying everything from small piston planes to jets.
Like many of the others on this list, Russell was inspired by a family member to become a pilot. His grandfather was an aerobatic pilot who also worked for TWA. As an adult, Russell regretted not being closer to his grandfather and spending more time learning about his passion, so he got his FAA pilot license in part as a tribute. He also became IFR-certified, allowing him to fly in foggy conditions, demonstrating a commitment to advanced training.
Now, he owns several planes, including a Piaggio Avanti 180, showcasing his deep engagement with aviation. Russell is also an advocate for humanitarian aviation through Wings of Hope, proving that his love for flying extends beyond personal enjoyment to making a positive impact on the world.
Kurt Russell also has a very bizarre and well-known place in airplane history. In 1997, an unknown pilot reported the “Phoenix Lights,” a strange V-formation of lights over the Phoenix airport that to this day is one of the most famous UFO sightings in modern history. A few years ago, Russell revealed in an interview that he was the anonymous pilot who brought this incident to the world’s attention, making his aviation story even more incredible!
5. Tim McGraw
There seems to be something that connects country superstars and a love of flying! Tim McGraw is yet another crooner on this list who takes to the skies regularly thanks to his pilot’s license. The country singer is not content with reaching heights on the country charts (10 of his albums have reached number one) but also wants to reach physical heights in the sky.
Unlike many of the celebrity pilots on this list who might own larger private jets, Tim McGraw prefers to keep it small and nimble. He flies a Cirrus Vision SF50, also known as the vision jet, a lightweight American-produced sports airplane. McGraw frequently uses it to jet around the country, making appearances at different venues and music festivals in his private aircraft.
All forms of flying are a bit romantic, but McGraw takes it to the next level with a personal touch. His plane allegedly has a sticker on the window that says “Faith” in honor of his wife, fellow musician Faith Hill, adding a sweet and intimate detail to his high-flying adventures. This dedication to his wife is just as strong as his dedication to aviation.
Reportedly, McGraw has said in interviews that he finds aviation relaxing, and it was also a welcomed distraction when he gave up drinking. His ability to keep busy, excel as a country music superstar, actor, producer, husband, and pilot, truly makes him a master of juggling multiple passions successfully.
6. Hilary Swank
Many actors take the challenge of embodying their characters very seriously, going above and beyond to bring authenticity to their roles. One of those artists who took it to the next level is Hilary Swank. For the movie *Amelia*, where she played celebrated pilot Amelia Earhart, Swank didn’t just pretend to fly; she actually learned to pilot a plane.
The idea to learn how to fly a plane actually came from the producers of the movie, who wanted Swank to look comfortable enough in the cockpit to make movie scenes look believable. However, they never intended for Swank to get her full pilot’s license, as that was outside the bounds of the movie’s insurance. She completed flight training in a Cirrus SR22 and flew several hours during filming, certainly achieving the producers’ goal.
Hilary Swank took her flying lessons to heart, earning her pilot’s license after portraying a pioneering aviator, transforming a movie role into a lifelong passion that adds depth to her already impressive skill set.
She expressed interest in continuing lessons afterward, solidifying her commitment to aviation beyond the silver screen. Her dedication to learning and mastering new skills is truly admirable, making her not just a talented actress but also an accomplished aviator.
7. Gisele Bündchen
Everybody who knows a little bit about Gisele Bündchen knows that the supermodel is so much more than a pretty face. She’s also a shrewd businesswoman and philanthropist who collaborates with big organizations such as the United Nations. However, even some of the model’s superfans might not know that she has a pilot’s license, specifically for helicopters!
While many previous figures on this list were inspired to pilot by their family or by their careers, Bündchen’s need was far more immediate and driven by a deeply personal concern. The supermodel once said that she was worried about what would happen if she was on a plane or helicopter and something happened to the pilot. She decided there was an easy answer to this question: she learned to become a pilot herself, so she could help herself and her family if a tragedy occurred.
Gisele Bündchen’s achievement of obtaining her helicopter license while pregnant is an awe-inspiring testament to her determination, overcoming fears of flying and showcasing her dedication to growth and connection with her environment.
She’s stated in interviews that she was inspired to learn to pilot helicopters out of an abundance of caution, proving that even supermodels prioritize safety and preparedness. It’s just one more talent to add to Gisele’s already extensive resume, highlighting her remarkable determination and versatility.
8. Clint Eastwood
Clint Eastwood is known for being a man of action, an iconic star of Westerns and action movies who got his big break playing a cowboy. But one of his favorite hobbies is decidedly more modern and takes him far above the dusty trails: he’s been flying helicopters recreationally for over 30 years, holding his own license.
Not content with flying much more stable fixed-wing planes, Eastwood actually has his own helicopter license. Helicopters are notoriously more difficult to fly because they have less inherent stability, requiring a high level of skill and concentration. He enjoys flying helicopters because of the solitude that flying gives him, a welcome respite after decades as a world-famous star.
In a television interview, Eastwood explained that when you’re flying, “you’re just a number in the sky… everybody pretty much leaves you alone.” This pursuit of anonymity and a little alone time is a significant appeal for the prolific actor/director, and it’s also an excellent way to avoid traffic in Los Angeles when flying to and from studio meetings or locations near his California home.
Eastwood’s love of flying is even more impressive considering that his encounters with the air got off to a rough start. During his army days in 1951, Eastwood nearly died in a helicopter crash in the Pacific Ocean. Luckily, both Eastwood and the pilot survived. Despite this harrowing experience, he embraced aviation, turning what could have been a traumatic memory into a lifelong passion, demonstrating true resilience and a love for the skies.”
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The first eight celebrity pilots have already shown us some seriously incredible stories, but the runway of celebrity aviators is still bustling! Get ready for more inspiring, surprising, and downright cool tales of famous faces who trade red carpets for cockpits, flying high in their careers and literally in the clouds.
9. Angelina Jolie
Angelina Jolie truly does it all, from award-winning acting to powerful humanitarian work. Among her impressive skills, she’s also a licensed pilot. Her aviation journey was wonderfully personal, sparked by her son Maddox’s fascination with airplanes. In 2004, she got her pilot’s license to connect with his interest, a heartwarming gesture that now sees Maddox old enough to follow in her high-flying footsteps.
Angelina Jolie uses her piloting skills for significant humanitarian work, owning aircraft like a Cirrus SR22, and flying to distant refugee sites, demonstrating her commitment to important causes beyond personal enjoyment.
Despite being a high-profile actress, Jolie faced a hiccup in 2013 when her license was temporarily suspended for an oversight, yet she still finds serenity in flying, describing it as a meditative escape from her demanding life.
10. Morgan Freeman
Is there anything Morgan Freeman *can’t* do? The man known as the literal voice of God is also a licensed pilot. It turns out, that iconic voice sounds just as commanding from a cockpit! Freeman actually dreamed of flying long before acting, joining the Air Force as a radar technician, aspiring to be a fighter pilot.
Though he eventually left the Air Force for acting, that dream of soaring never truly left him. Proving you’re never too old to chase a dream, Freeman started flight lessons in 2002 while in his sixties, successfully earning his license. Imagine achieving a lifelong ambition decades after you first dreamed it!
Despite a few harrowing mechanical scares, Freeman continues to enjoy the freedom and challenge that comes with piloting private aircraft. It’s a testament to his enduring love for aviation and his resilient spirit, flying high and making us all believe we can do anything at any age.
11. Tom Cruise
Admit it, you probably wouldn’t be surprised to find Tom Cruise on this list! The actor synonymous with high-octane action and jaw-dropping aerial stunts in films like *Top Gun* is indeed an ace pilot in real life. While he might not be quite as daring as Maverick, he’s certainly earned his wings!
Cruise first obtained his pilot’s license in 1994, meaning he’s been a licensed aviator for almost as long as he’s been a blockbuster movie star. His passion for flying is a childhood dream come true, undoubtedly enhancing his legendary film career.
Remember those incredible *Top Gun: Maverick* scenes? Cruise didn’t just pretend; he actually piloted several helicopters and a plane himself for the film, bringing undeniable authenticity. Of course, professional Navy pilots handled main aerial stunts for safety – even for Tom Cruise! His adventurous spirit extends to personal travel, as he proudly owns a Gulfstream IV private jet.
12. Harrison Ford
When you think of Harrison Ford and airplanes, your mind might jump straight to the Millennium Falcon or perhaps a certain unfortunate landing on a golf course. But beyond iconic roles as Han Solo and Indiana Jones, Ford is a genuinely licensed pilot with a deep, lifelong love for aviation.
His early passion for aviation was delayed by finances, but he persevered and earned his license in his fifties, now relishing ownership of several planes, including a vintage de Havilland Beaver and a Cessna 172.
Ford’s flying career, while inspiring, has had its share of headline-making moments. He crashed on a golf course in 2015 and had a close call near a passenger jet in 2017, highlighting the real risks even experienced pilots face. Beyond personal flights, Ford has used his piloting skills for incredible humanitarian work, assisting a search-and-rescue operation in Idaho and famously rescuing a lost Boy Scout near Yellowstone Park. Talk about a surreal moment – being rescued by Han Solo himself! Harrison Ford truly is an action hero both on and off-screen.
13. Bruce Dickinson
For many celebrities, piloting is an exciting side hobby. But for Bruce Dickinson, the legendary lead singer of Iron Maiden, aviation is a full-blown second career as impactful as his rock ‘n’ roll antics! Dickinson learned to fly in the 1990s and quickly turned his passion into a profession, becoming a pilot for Astraeus Airlines, a charter airline. Imagine your pilot is the lead singer of Iron Maiden!
When Astraeus unfortunately went out of business in 2011, Dickinson didn’t miss a beat. Demonstrating true entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering commitment, he started his own aviation company, Cardiff Aviation, providing aircraft maintenance and pilot training services.
He seamlessly blends his two worlds, famously piloting Iron Maiden’s customized Boeing 747, “Ed Force One,” when the band tours. This unique rock star truly proves you can be a heavy metal icon and a serious aviation professional at the same time!
14. John Travolta
For years, John Travolta stood alongside Tom Cruise as one of Hollywood’s quintessential leading men, sharing an incredible similarity: both are highly accomplished celebrity pilots! Travolta’s passion for aviation began remarkably early, starting lessons at 15 and becoming licensed by his early twenties.
Even after decades of experience and over 5,000 logged air hours, Travolta still pushes his pilot career to new limits. In early 2022, he announced securing a license to pilot a Boeing 737, adding it to his impressive collection of licenses for 747 and 707 aircraft. Talk about mastering the giants of the sky!
Travolta’s love for aviation isn’t just about flying; it’s also about advocating for it. He’s been a proud ambassador for Qantas Airlines since 2002. With such an extensive background, it’s fair to say that Travolta often seems more like an instrument-rated pilot with an acting hobby than the other way around!
15. King Willem-Alexander
Even in our modern world, there’s a unique celebrity status that comes with being a monarch. Imagine the surprise many KLM passengers felt discovering their pilot was none other than the Dutch King, Willem-Alexander! That’s a royal flight experience you wouldn’t forget.
King Willem-Alexander developed a profound passion for aviation from a young age. He earned his first pilot’s license in 1985, setting him on a path intertwining royal duties with his love for the skies. His commitment goes beyond a private license; he became commercially certified in 2001, qualifying him to fly passenger jets. He regularly flew the Dutch royal family on state visits, ensuring a hands-on approach.
Charming and humble, King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands occasionally pilots for KLM, choosing to remain anonymous and enjoying the tranquil experience of being ‘just a number in the sky,’ evoking camaraderie among fellow celebrity pilots.
From Hollywood A-listers and country music legends to royal figures, aviation’s charm casts a spell on these celebrities. It goes to show the sky isn’t a boundary—it’s just another exhilarating adventure ready to be embarked on.
