Celebrities You Didn’t Know Hold Commercial Pilot Licenses

Many celebrities escape the constant attention of the paparazzi by taking to the skies. While we often see actors playing pilots in movies, a surprising number have actually earned their commercial pilot licenses. These dedicated individuals manage busy entertainment careers alongside the demanding training and certification required to fly. From rock stars who pilot their band’s tour planes to famous actors who own their own aircraft, they have skills and passions that extend beyond their public image.

John Travolta

John Travolta is a skilled pilot with certifications to fly many large commercial airplanes. He’s well-known for owning a Boeing 707 and lives on a property designed for aviation, complete with its own runway. He often pilots himself to movie premieres and uses his planes for charity work. Thanks to his thorough training, he’s qualified to fly large, multi-engine jets all over the world.

Harrison Ford

Harrison Ford is famous for playing iconic characters like Han Solo in ‘Star Wars’ and Indiana Jones, but he’s also a very accomplished pilot. For decades, he’s flown planes and helicopters in difficult conditions. He’s even helped with search and rescue operations near his Wyoming home, and is a strong supporter of aviation safety and preserving its history.

Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise is well-known for doing his own flying stunts in both ‘Top Gun’ movies. A licensed pilot since the mid-1990s, he owns a collection of fast aircraft, including a classic P-51 Mustang. He frequently flies himself between movie sets around the globe. This dedication to realism in his films comes from his real skill and experience as a pilot.

Bruce Dickinson

Bruce Dickinson is the frontman for the heavy metal band Iron Maiden, but he’s also a qualified airline pilot. He’s well-known for piloting the band’s private Boeing 747, nicknamed Ed Force One, on their worldwide tours. Alongside his music, Dickinson worked as a commercial pilot for years and now runs a company that maintains aircraft and trains pilots.

Dexter Holland

Dexter Holland, the frontman of The Offspring, is a highly accomplished individual – he’s both a rock star and a skilled pilot with a PhD in molecular biology. He’s even flown solo around the world to showcase his passion and expertise in aviation. Holland skillfully balances his energetic music career with the precision required for flying, often piloting himself to concerts and meetings.

Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman didn’t let age stop him from learning to fly. He got his pilot’s license at sixty-five and continued his training, eventually earning a commercial license. He’s owned multiple planes, including a Cessna Citation 501. Flying gives the actor a feeling of freedom that’s a welcome change from the pressures of his Hollywood career, and he frequently talks about his love of aviation in documentaries and interviews.

Kris Kristofferson

Before becoming a famous country singer and actor, Kris Kristofferson was a skilled helicopter pilot – he even flew in the military. He used his piloting abilities to earn a living while trying to break into the music scene in Nashville. Legend has it, he once landed a helicopter right in Johnny Cash’s yard to deliver a demo! His experience with flying taught him discipline, which helped him succeed in the entertainment world.

Gisele Bündchen

While expecting her first child, Gisele Bündchen learned to fly helicopters. She didn’t just want a pilot’s license, though – she earned a commercial certification to support her work as an environmental advocate. This training allowed her to observe land use from above, giving her a unique perspective. It’s another example of how Gisele’s career extends far beyond her work as a supermodel.

Phil McGraw

Most people know Phil McGraw as Dr. Phil from television, but he’s also a skilled pilot. He’s been flying for many years and frequently uses his own plane for work trips and filming. McGraw appreciates how flying demands concentration and technical expertise, and he works hard to stay current with his pilot certifications.

Dennis Quaid

Dennis Quaid took up flying as preparation for his role in ‘The Right Stuff’ and ended up becoming a licensed commercial pilot. He’s flown everything from small planes to larger twin-engine jets. Quaid finds flying incredibly calming and focuses completely when he’s in the air. He’s been a plane owner for years and continues to be passionate about aviation.

Michael Dorn

Michael Dorn, best known for his role as Worf on ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation,’ is also a passionate and skilled pilot. He’s a licensed commercial pilot and has long been a collector of vintage fighter planes. Dorn has even had the opportunity to fly with the elite Blue Angels and Thunderbirds demonstration teams. He’s a regular presence at air shows, where he displays his aircraft and encourages others to get involved in aviation.

Dave Coulier

Most people recognize Dave Coulier from his role on ‘Full House,’ but many don’t know he’s been a pilot since his teens. He’s a licensed commercial pilot and often flies his own Beechcraft Bonanza for personal trips. He learned to love flying from his father, and frequently shares his passion for aviation in his comedy routines and when he’s making public appearances.

Tim McGraw

Tim McGraw is a hugely popular country music star, and he’s also a licensed pilot. He started flying himself to concerts to better manage his demanding travel schedule. He finds that being in control of the flight is both relaxing and helps him cope with his busy life. McGraw often includes his family on these trips and loves seeing the world from above. He’s also mentioned that the focus required for flying helps keep his mind active and engaged.

Dierks Bentley

Dierks Bentley, the country singer, is a dedicated pilot. He’s licensed to fly commercially and often flies himself to shows all over North America. He says being in the air helps him escape the stress of being famous, and he loves sharing his flying experiences with fans online.

Alan Jackson

Alan Jackson, a legendary country singer, has been a licensed pilot for years. He started flying to shorten travel time during his busy touring schedule and to be able to see his family more frequently. Over the years, Jackson has owned various planes and truly enjoys the challenges of flying and navigating. His passion for aviation is well-known as a significant part of his life outside of music.

Niki Lauda

Niki Lauda was a highly successful Formula One racer, winning the world championship three times. Beyond racing, he was a skilled pilot and even started his own airline, often flying the planes himself. He had a deep understanding of how both race cars and airplane engines worked, and continued to fly until he was quite old, earning respect in the aviation world.

Sydney Pollack

Sydney Pollack, the Oscar-winning director, was also a skilled pilot. He didn’t just have a license – he often flew himself to movie sets and used his aviation expertise to film incredible aerial scenes. A passionate flyer, Pollack owned several advanced jets and was well-respected by other pilots for his flying ability. His love of aviation was a major part of who he was, separate from his work in film.

Arnold Palmer

Arnold Palmer, a famous golfer, was also a passionate pilot who helped make flying popular with other athletes. He was a licensed pilot and spent decades racking up thousands of flight hours in his own planes. His love for aviation was so well-known that the airport near his home in Latrobe was renamed after him. Palmer himself often said that flying was only second to golf in terms of his favorite activities.

Clint Eastwood

Clint Eastwood is a famous actor and director who has been a licensed helicopter pilot for many years. He frequently uses helicopters to find good spots for his movies and to bypass traffic in Southern California. He loves the peacefulness and special perspective that flying gives him. Even in his later years, he’s kept up his flying skills and remains a strong supporter of aviation.

James Stewart

James Stewart wasn’t just a famous actor – he also became a Brigadier General in the Air Force Reserve. A skilled pilot, he earned his commercial license and flew in combat during World War II, continuing to fly privately afterward. Known for his modesty, Stewart was an exceptionally talented pilot, especially with large bombers, and remained a lifelong advocate for both the military and civilian aviation.

Christopher Reeve

Christopher Reeve, best known for playing Superman, was also an enthusiastic pilot. He loved all types of flying, from airplanes to gliders and sailplanes. He often used his piloting skills to travel for work and to support causes he cared about, and his passion for the sky remained a significant part of who he was throughout his life.

Patrick Swayze

Patrick Swayze was a remarkably talented actor and performer with a passion for flying. He was a licensed pilot and often flew his own small plane, appreciating the peace and privacy it gave him from the pressures of fame. He commonly used his aircraft to travel between his New Mexico ranch and film locations, and was known as a skilled and careful pilot.

Treat Williams

Treat Williams was an experienced actor with a lifelong passion for flying. He was a qualified pilot, certified to fly both airplanes and helicopters, and spent many hours in the air. He often credited flying with teaching him the discipline and concentration that benefited his work as an actor. He was a well-known and admired figure within the aviation world, frequently attending and participating in aviation events.

Gary Numan

Gary Numan, known for his groundbreaking work in electronic music, is also an accomplished pilot. He earned a commercial pilot’s license and thrilled audiences at air shows globally, flying classic military planes. Numan has described the rush of performing aerial acrobatics as being comparable to the energy of a live concert. He also enjoyed teaching others to fly, working as a flight instructor for a time.

Nick Mason

I’ve always been fascinated by Nick Mason, the drummer from Pink Floyd. It’s incredible that he’s not only a musical legend but also a qualified helicopter pilot! He’s a huge enthusiast when it comes to anything with an engine – he collects fast cars and aircraft, and really gets into how things work. Over the years, he’s actually used his piloting skills to get between gigs and recording sessions, which is pretty cool. It’s clear his love of aviation stems from a wider interest in engineering and the thrill of speed.

Mark-Paul Gosselaar

Mark-Paul Gosselaar is famous for his roles on TV, but he’s also a trained helicopter pilot. He got his pilot’s license as a personal challenge and a way to see things differently. He frequently posts pictures from his flights and enjoys talking about how helicopters work. He says that the concentration flying demands helps him stay balanced with his acting career.

Lorenzo Lamas

Lorenzo Lamas, known as an actor, now works as a full-time helicopter pilot. He flies for tour and charter companies, sharing his love of flight with others. He’s also become a flight instructor, teaching the next generation how to fly. Lamas demonstrates how a hobby can successfully become a career.

Kurt Russell

I’ve always been fascinated by Kurt Russell, and it’s not just his acting! He’s a really accomplished pilot, and has been flying for years – he even has a commercial license with a ton of different qualifications. It’s something he got into thanks to his grandfather, and he’s owned quite a few planes over the years. What I find so cool is that he often flies himself to movie locations – he loves having that freedom. And he’s not just a pilot who sits at the controls; he’s a real enthusiast, incredibly knowledgeable about the history and mechanics of aircraft.

David Lee Roth

David Lee Roth, the energetic frontman of Van Halen, is also a licensed helicopter pilot. While working as an emergency medical technician in New York City, he pursued flight training, bringing his signature enthusiasm to aviation. This skill further adds to his already iconic and multifaceted public image.

Carol Vorderman

Carol Vorderman, a well-known British TV personality, learned to fly later in life and became a qualified pilot. She’s passionate about encouraging more women and young people to get involved in aviation and engineering. Carol frequently uses her own plane for both personal travel and fundraising, and has even planned ambitious solo flights around the globe. Her skill and dedication to flying have made her a respected figure among pilots.

Jimmy Buffett

Jimmy Buffett, the popular singer-songwriter, was also a skilled pilot. He loved flying, especially in seaplanes, and often used them to travel to the islands he enjoyed most. His music frequently reflected his love of flying, and he shared that passion with his fans. He was a strong supporter of private flying and was known for even piloting himself to his own shows.

Enrique Iglesias

You know, it’s fascinating to learn about the lives of performers, and Enrique Iglesias is a perfect example. Beyond being a huge pop star, he’s actually a licensed pilot! He says flying is his way to de-stress and even get ideas for songs. Seriously, he often flies himself between concerts, which is pretty cool and helps him keep some privacy. It’s just one of the things he does to cope with the demands of being so famous – a really interesting hobby for someone with his level of career pressure.

Ed Robertson

Ed Robertson, best known as the lead singer of Barenaked Ladies, is also a passionate pilot. He loves flying his own seaplane and enjoys the skill it takes to land on water. He’s flown all over Canada and the US, both for work and fun, and often shares how flying has helped him truly appreciate the beauty and scale of nature.

David Gilmour

As a total movie and music buff, I’ve always been fascinated by people with diverse passions. Take David Gilmour, the iconic guitarist from Pink Floyd – he’s also a seriously skilled pilot! He even went the extra mile and started his own aviation museum to showcase incredible vintage aircraft. Apparently, he’s collected and flown a ton of historic planes over the years, and he gets a real kick out of the hands-on, mechanical side of flying. Honestly, I think his work in preserving these amazing planes is just as important as his legendary music career. It’s cool to see someone so dedicated to two completely different worlds.

Edward Norton

Edward Norton is a skilled pilot with a commercial license, qualified to fly multi-engine aircraft. He frequently volunteers his flying abilities to help environmental organizations with their conservation work. He values the unique viewpoint flying offers and finds it useful for both personal trips and his career. Norton has emphasized the intense training needed to remain a safe and proficient pilot.

John Denver

John Denver was a famous singer-songwriter and a skilled pilot. He loved flying and often included themes of aviation in his songs. A passionate advocate for both space exploration and protecting the environment, Denver owned multiple airplanes and his love of the sky remained a core part of his life until his untimely death in a plane crash.

Share your thoughts on these high flying celebrities in the comments.

2026-02-27 10:18