Actors You Didn’t Know Hold Commercial Pilot Licenses

by

Many Hollywood actors have passions beyond the screen, and some have become skilled pilots. They’ve spent years training and earning licenses to fly a variety of aircraft, often owning and managing their own planes. These stars frequently pilot themselves around the world for work and leisure, demonstrating the same dedication and discipline that’s made them successful in the entertainment industry.

John Travolta

I’ve always been amazed by John Travolta, and it’s not just because of his incredible acting! He’s a seriously skilled pilot, holding licenses to fly a variety of aircraft, including impressive planes like the Boeing 707 and the Challenger 601. He’s logged so many flight hours traveling the world, and it’s no surprise he even has a house with his own runway to house his collection. Beyond that, he’s a fantastic ambassador for aviation and has been recognized for everything he’s done for the pilot community. Honestly, his love of flying feels like such a core part of who he is – it’s just as iconic as his acting!

Harrison Ford

Harrison Ford is a skilled and experienced pilot with thousands of flight hours in both airplanes and helicopters. He’s a certified commercial pilot and enjoys flying everything from classic vintage planes to today’s business jets. Beyond acting – including his famous role as Indiana Jones – Ford has even participated in real search and rescue missions in the Wyoming mountains. He’s dedicated to aviation safety and regularly contributes to pilot training and industry discussions. Ford continues to fly often and keeps a variety of aircraft at his ranch.

Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise is famous for doing his own dangerous stunts in movies like ‘Mission Impossible’ and ‘Top Gun’. He’s been a licensed pilot for many years, qualified to fly planes and helicopters. He often pilots himself to film locations and has even flown his classic P-51 Mustang in some of his films. Flying isn’t just a hobby for him – it’s a major part of both his personal life and his career. The aviation community respects him for his impressive flying skills and dedication to being a great pilot.

Morgan Freeman

Although Morgan Freeman didn’t begin flying until age sixty-five, he rapidly became a licensed commercial pilot. He’s qualified to fly several aircraft, including a Cessna 414 and a Swearingen SJ30, and often pilots himself across the country for work and personal events. Despite starting later in life, he’s become a skilled and well-regarded pilot, often speaking about the sense of freedom and tranquility he experiences while flying.

Kurt Russell

I’ve always been fascinated by Kurt Russell, and it turns out he’s a seriously skilled pilot! He’s had his commercial license for years, and flying isn’t just a hobby for him – it’s a lifelong passion. He’s owned all sorts of planes over the years and really gets a kick out of the technical side of flying, tackling complicated routes. It’s cool to learn he’s part of that long line of actors who find peace and escape in the cockpit, away from all the Hollywood craziness. Everyone in both the film and aviation worlds knows he’s the real deal when it comes to flying.

Dennis Quaid

Dennis Quaid is a licensed pilot with advanced training, enabling him to fly in all kinds of weather. He’s owned several fast aircraft, including a Cessna Citation jet, which he uses for work and personal travel. Beyond flying for himself, Quaid often uses his skills to help charities and support aviation-related events. He finds that the concentration needed for flying provides a welcome balance to the imaginative work of acting, especially in films like ‘The Right Stuff’. He’s truly dedicated to staying skilled as a pilot.

Bruce Dickinson

Bruce Dickinson is best known as the frontman for Iron Maiden, but he’s also a qualified airline pilot. He used to fly for Astraeus Airlines and even piloted a specially-fitted Boeing 747 carrying his band on tour. Beyond music, Dickinson has worked as an actor and presenter, hosting TV shows focused on history and technology. He holds a highly respected transport pilot license, and people are consistently impressed by his ability to successfully juggle both a world-famous music career and a professional flying career.

Lorenzo Lamas

You know, most people remember Lorenzo Lamas from shows like ‘Falcon Crest’ and ‘Renegade’, but what a lot of people don’t know is he’s a really accomplished pilot! He actually has a commercial helicopter license and used to give tours flying people over the Grand Canyon – seriously! He told me once he wanted to learn new skills and he’s always loved flying, so he just went for it. He’s racked up thousands of flight hours and treats being a pilot with a ton of respect. It’s amazing to see someone switch careers like that and really dedicate themselves to something new, isn’t it?

Treat Williams

Treat Williams was a skilled and experienced pilot, holding a commercial license for over three decades. He could fly both airplanes and helicopters, and often flew around his home in Vermont. The ‘Everwood’ actor was passionate about aviation and regularly shared his enthusiasm with fans, even participating in flight safety initiatives. He considered flying a demanding craft that required consistent skill and concentration. Because of his extensive flying experience, he was a well-respected pilot within the entertainment industry.

Dave Coulier

Most people know Dave Coulier as Joey Gladstone from ‘Full House,’ but he’s also a skilled pilot. He’s been flying since his teens and has earned advanced certifications over the years. He often pilots his own Beechcraft Bonanza and loves the challenges of planning and executing long-distance flights. A strong supporter of general aviation, he regularly attends airshows nationwide. Flying is a major passion for him, separate from his work as a comedian and actor.

Sydney Pollack

Sydney Pollack was a celebrated film director and actor, known for winning an Academy Award. He was also a passionate and skilled pilot, often flying himself to movie locations in his private jet – even for famous films like ‘Out of Africa’. His understanding of aviation often informed his filmmaking, giving him a distinctive approach to telling stories. He was a highly competent and professional pilot, and his love of flying remained a lifelong passion alongside his successful film career.

Kris Kristofferson

Kris Kristofferson is a celebrated singer and actor with an interesting past. Before becoming famous, he was a skilled helicopter pilot, even leading flights during his time in the Army. He later flew workers to oil rigs. This flying experience gave him valuable skills he used in his acting, particularly in the film ‘A Star Is Born’. Though he became known for entertainment, his time as a pilot always remained a significant part of who he was. Kristofferson is remembered as one of Hollywood’s most tough and adaptable personalities.

Jimmy Buffett

Jimmy Buffett, the popular singer and actor, was also a talented pilot, licensed to fly both regular airplanes and seaplanes. He was known for flying himself to concerts and meetings in his classic Grumman Albatross and other vintage planes. His passion for flying was a key part of his music and the laid-back, coastal lifestyle he represented. He was a skilled and knowledgeable pilot, comfortable navigating challenging conditions. These aerial adventures were a beloved aspect of his public image for many years.

Christopher Reeve

Christopher Reeve will always be remembered for playing Superman, but he was also a skilled pilot. He earned multiple flight certifications and excelled in sailplane racing and navigating long distances. Reeve often flew himself to events, enjoying the independence of being in the air. He was deeply involved in the aviation world, actively promoting the sport of soaring, and his love of flying was a significant part of who he was, both on and off screen.

Matthew Fox

Though best known for playing Jack Shephard on ‘Lost’, Matthew Fox now dedicates much of his time to flying. He moved to the mountains to be closer to his passion for aviation and often pilots his own plane for personal trips. Fox has described flying as a calming and precise activity. He prefers a private life and is focused on earning advanced certifications in aviation, demonstrating a strong commitment to this second career.

Gérard Depardieu

Gérard Depardieu is a hugely successful French actor, but many people don’t know he’s also a licensed pilot. He’s spent countless hours flying around Europe in a variety of aircraft he’s owned over the years. He values the freedom of being able to fly himself between movie locations and his other businesses. Depardieu is a strong advocate for the strict safety standards and technical expertise required in aviation, and flying offers him a peaceful retreat from his high-profile career.

David Soul

David Soul, famous for his role in ‘Starsky and Hutch,’ was also a skilled pilot. He was dedicated to flying, maintaining his pilot’s license with discipline, and often flew himself to work and events. Friends and colleagues knew him for his passion for aviation and his professional, technical approach to it. While many remember him as an actor, his love of flying was a significant part of his life, though often less well-known.

Clint Eastwood

Clint Eastwood is a famous actor and director who is also a skilled helicopter pilot. He’s been flying for years and often uses his helicopter to get to movie locations, helping him avoid traffic and save time. He finds the challenges of helicopter flight – especially the need for precise landings – very rewarding. Eastwood is known for staying calm and focused, a trait that benefits him both while filming and when piloting. His passion for aviation has been a constant throughout his impressive career.

Michael Dorn

While many know Michael Dorn as Worf from ‘Star Trek,’ he’s also a skilled and experienced pilot. He owns several fighter planes and is certified to fly various high-performance aircraft. Dorn often performs at airshows and is involved with groups dedicated to historic aviation. He’s proud of his flying abilities and has accumulated a substantial amount of flight time. Both fans of ‘Star Trek’ and those in the aviation world recognize his strong passion for flying.

Tim McGraw

Tim McGraw is a hugely successful singer and actor who learned to fly planes to help him balance his hectic work life. He frequently pilots his own Cirrus SR22 to get to concerts and film shoots around the country. The ‘1883’ star says flying gives him a feeling of calm and control despite his busy career. He’s dedicated himself to becoming a skilled and safe pilot, earning advanced certifications and practicing often. Being able to fly himself has become a key part of how he manages his work.

John Denver

John Denver wasn’t just a famous singer and actor; he was also a dedicated pilot. He was highly skilled, holding numerous certifications, and often flew himself to concerts and events in his own Learjet. Denver loved aviation and often talked about the peaceful, almost spiritual feeling he got while flying. He was always eager to learn more about aircraft and improve his flying abilities. Just like his music and movies, his passion for flying continues to be remembered.

James Stewart

I’ve always been in awe of James Stewart. Most people know him as a fantastic actor – the star of classics like ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ – but his dedication went far beyond the screen. He was a truly skilled pilot, serving with incredible bravery in World War II, flying countless missions. And it didn’t stop there! He continued to fly for decades, even reaching the rank of Brigadier General in the Air Force Reserve. He wasn’t just pretending to fly in movies; he was the real deal, and often advised filmmakers on aviation scenes. Honestly, his flying record is one of the most impressive I’ve ever heard of, especially for someone so famous in Hollywood.

Clark Gable

Clark Gable, the iconic Hollywood star, was a passionate pilot as well as an actor. During World War II, he served as an aerial observer and earned a commercial pilot’s license. He continued flying after the war, captivated by the skill and excitement it offered. Gable often flew for pleasure, appreciating the freedom and privacy it gave him. This love of aviation was a key part of his celebrated public image.

Cliff Robertson

Cliff Robertson was an accomplished actor, winning an Oscar for his role in ‘Charly,’ but he was also a highly skilled pilot. He held a commercial pilot’s license and owned a variety of aircraft, from classic biplanes to contemporary jets, often attending air shows and aviation gatherings. A passionate advocate for aviation history, Robertson dedicated himself to restoring and preserving historic airplanes. He was known for his exceptional flying ability and thorough understanding of how planes work, and he spent as much time at the airfield as he did on film sets.

Gene Roddenberry

Gene Roddenberry, the mind behind ‘Star Trek,’ began his career as a commercial pilot for Pan American World Airways. He flew transatlantic routes and spent countless hours piloting large planes. These experiences deeply shaped ‘Star Trek,’ influencing its depiction of space travel with a strong emphasis on naval and aviation structure, procedures, and discipline – elements he valued throughout his life. His time in aviation essentially laid the groundwork for the futuristic worlds he became famous for creating.

George Montgomery

George Montgomery was a popular actor known for his roles in Westerns, but he was also an accomplished pilot. He served in the Army Air Corps and continued to fly planes throughout his life, enjoying the independence it offered and using them to travel for work. Fellow pilots admired his flying skills and dedication to aviation, qualities that seemed to fit his tough-guy persona on screen.

Henry Fonda

Henry Fonda, the celebrated actor, had a lifelong passion for flying. He served in the Navy during World War II and was a licensed pilot for decades. Known for his calm and professional nature, Fonda found peace in flying solo and often used his plane for personal trips. Those who flew with him considered him a skilled and careful pilot, and he remained current with his flying skills throughout his successful acting career. It was a private hobby he cherished alongside his public life.

Tyrone Power

You know, a lot of people remember Tyrone Power as this incredibly handsome leading man, but he was a seriously skilled pilot too. He wasn’t just messing around – he served in the Marines during the war, flying transport missions all over the Pacific, getting supplies and wounded soldiers where they needed to be. And it wasn’t a one-time thing! Even after the war, he kept flying, both for fun and to get himself to movie sets – he really loved it. Everyone always commented on how genuinely good he was, and how seriously he took piloting. It wasn’t just a hobby; being a pilot was a huge part of who he was, separate from his acting career.

Robert Stack

Robert Stack, best known as an actor in shows like ‘The Untouchables,’ was also a passionate pilot and an exceptional marksman—even setting world records in shooting. He loved flying, dedicating countless hours to learning and mastering various aircraft. Stack approached all his interests, including aviation, with dedication and discipline. For decades, he was a well-known and respected figure in the general aviation world, and he took great pride in his piloting skills.

Hugh O’Brian

Hugh O’Brian, famous for playing Wyatt Earp, was also a skilled pilot with a professional license. A Marine veteran, he brought the discipline he learned in the military to his flying, which became a lifelong passion. He frequently piloted himself to engagements and loved the challenges of planning long-distance flights. O’Brian was deeply committed to helping young people, and often encouraged them to consider careers in aviation. Flying remained an important part of his full and active life.

James Garner

I always loved James Garner – a genuinely cool presence on screen, especially as Rockford. But beyond the acting, he was a seriously skilled pilot! It wasn’t just a hobby for him, either. He had a knack for anything mechanical, feeling just as at home in a cockpit or behind the wheel of a race car. He really enjoyed the technical side of flying, and he’d often fly himself to movie sets and sporting events. Everyone said he was incredibly down-to-earth and professional when it came to his aviation work. Honestly, his piloting skills are a fascinating, and often overlooked, part of what made him such a remarkable guy.

Ernest Borgnine

Ernest Borgnine, the Academy Award-winning actor, led a fascinating life beyond the screen. He was a Navy veteran and a skilled pilot with a commercial certificate, often finding relaxation and escape from his demanding acting career by flying small planes. Known for his cheerful nature and adventurous spirit, Borgnine frequently talked about the joy of flight and the special view it gave him of the world. Flying remained a beloved pastime throughout his long and successful life.

Patrick Swayze

Patrick Swayze was incredibly talented – not only was he a beloved actor and dancer, but he was also a licensed pilot and owned several airplanes. He was a skilled flyer who often piloted himself to movie locations, relishing the independence it gave him. Known for his athleticism, Swayze dedicated himself to mastering any challenge, including complex flying techniques. He found that being in the air brought him a sense of calm and focus that was vital to his happiness. His love of aviation remained a constant throughout his life and career.

Christopher Masterson

Christopher Masterson, famous for playing Francis on ‘Malcolm in the Middle,’ is also a skilled pilot. He’s dedicated a lot of time to gaining experience and qualifications in aviation, and frequently shares his adventures with his fans. He approaches flying with a professional attitude, seeing it as a challenging and fulfilling career. His move into professional aviation demonstrates his commitment to both personal development and achieving a high level of skill.

Gene Hackman

Gene Hackman is a celebrated actor, famous for winning two Academy Awards, but he’s also a skilled pilot. After serving in the Marines, he discovered that flying offered a similar sense of order and self-control. He’s been a pilot for years, owning multiple planes and enjoying the challenges of flying in diverse conditions. A naturally private person, aviation provided him with a way to travel and explore independently, away from the spotlight. His piloting skills are just one example of his many talents beyond acting.

Bill Goldberg

Bill Goldberg is a well-known wrestler and actor who is also a licensed helicopter pilot. He’s been passionate about flying for years and has become a skilled helicopter pilot. He frequently uses his helicopter for personal trips and appreciates the challenge of flying such a complex machine. His dedication and physical strength, qualities he’s famous for in wrestling, also help him as a pilot. Earning his commercial pilot license demonstrates his commitment to being the best in everything he does.

Howard Hughes

Howard Hughes was a remarkable man famous for both his success in Hollywood and his pioneering achievements in aviation. He was a skilled pilot who broke multiple speed records and played a key role in designing famous airplanes and starting airlines. Known for being a perfectionist and incredibly brave, Hughes pushed the boundaries of flight and earned the respect of pilots worldwide. His contributions continue to influence the film and aviation industries today.

Gene Autry

Gene Autry, the first popular singing cowboy, was also a passionate and skilled pilot. He served as a flight officer during World War II, bravely flying cargo planes over the treacherous Himalayan mountains – a mission known as flying the Hump. Even after the war, he continued to pilot his own aircraft for work and pleasure. Autry was a well-regarded pilot known for prioritizing safety and proper training, and his flying career stands as a tribute to his courage and love of aviation.

Roy Rogers

Roy Rogers, the famous Western actor, was also a skilled pilot. He frequently flew himself to movie sets and rodeo events nationwide. Known for being a serious and capable flyer, Rogers constantly worked to improve his piloting skills. He was one of many Hollywood stars of his time who embraced flying as both a useful way to travel and a fulfilling hobby. Being a pilot was a significant part of who Roy Rogers was, contributing to his status as an American entertainment icon.

Share which of these celebrity pilots surprised you the most in the comments.

Read More

2026-02-27 21:19