Meet the 11 Celebrity Pilots Who Soar the Skies on the Side

Ready for takeoff? From top-tier actors to royalty and music icons, these celebrities shine both on stage and behind the controls as licensed pilots. Find out which stars love flying, piloting their own planes, and reaching new heights well above the red carpet. These well-known personalities prove that when they’re not in the spotlight, they’re often soaring miles above the ground.

Tom Cruise

Known for his daredevil stunts, Tom Cruise is a bona fide aviation enthusiast and an accomplished pilot. He became a licensed pilot in 1994 and has since built up a personal fleet of aircraft, as reported by Screen Rant. Off set, he’s piloted everything from helicopters to fighter jets, sometimes even flying himself to movie premieres. Cruise’s love for flight is just as legendary as his Hollywood legacy.

Jimmy Buffett

Famed for his laid-back lifestyle and island anthems, Jimmy Buffett was also a dedicated pilot. He accumulated nearly 1,500 flight hours and owned a diverse fleet of aircraft, including Dassault Falcons and a Grumman Albatross, according to Flying Magazine.

Gisele Bündchen

Supermodel and activist Gisele Bündchen is more than a runway icon, she’s also certified to fly. She earned her helicopter pilot’s license in 2009, remarkably while seven months pregnant, as reported by The Boston Globe.

Bündchen isn’t afraid to break barriers, whether it’s in fashion or aviation.

John Travolta

John Travolta‘s passion for flying matches his love for the silver screen. A fully certified pilot with thousands of flight hours, he houses his extensive aircraft collection at his Florida home, which features its own runway connecting directly to his front door, per Simple Flying. His home is a true testament to aviation’s integral role in his lifestyle.

Tim McGraw

Country star Tim McGraw trades his cowboy hat for a pilot’s headset whenever he flies. As a licensed private pilot, he owns two Cirrus planes and often pilots himself to music festivals and concerts., according to Simple Flying. His piloting skills offer another glimpse into his dynamic life.

Prince Harry

Prince Harry is widely recognized for his military service, including his experience piloting military helicopters. He became an Apache helicopter pilot after completing 18 months of intensive training in both the U.K. and the U.S., as reported by BBC News.

The Duke of Sussex established the Invictus Games in 2014, an international adaptive sports event for wounded and injured military personnel. His aviation experiences have influenced his fearless attitude toward life and service.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie infuses her adventurous spirit into her passion for aviation, flying planes herself during numerous humanitarian missions. She obtained her private pilot’s license in 2004, motivated by her son Maddox’s interest in aircraft, according to People. The skies are just one more frontier for this powerhouse celebrity.

Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt is not only an award-winning actor but also has a passion for aircraft. He obtained his private pilot’s license in the 1990s and later earned his multi-engine rating, enabling him to pilot both single- and multi-engine planes, as reported by Metro Airport News. His approach to aviation mirrors his drive for excellence in all endeavors.

Zach Braff

Scrubs star Zach Braff has a talent for storytelling across various platforms, from onscreen to stage and even in the air. Facing a fear of flying developed in adulthood, he took steps to overcome it by obtaining his private pilot’s license in 2008, per In Flight Pilot Training.

James Franco

James Franco obtained his pilot’s license while getting ready for his role as a World War I pilot in the 2006 movie Flyboys., according to Biography.

Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman, a former U.S. Air Force serviceman, obtained his private pilot’s license at age 65 and has since flown himself from his Mississippi home to various festivals and events, as reported by Business Jet Traveler. His commitment to learning new skills is as impressive as his celebrated career.