When Prince Harry was named a Living Legend of Aviation at a star-studded ceremony in Los Angeles in late January, critics were quick to question his piloting credentials. More than 10,000 people signed an online petition urging organisers of the event to reconsider … despite the Duke of Sussex having served as a helicopter co-pilot during his time in the British Army.
Previous recipients of the honour include former astronaut Buzz Aldrin and retired fighter pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger.
While netizens continue the debate on whether Prince Harry’s award was undeserved, here are seven celebrities you probably didn’t know are licensed pilots.
1. Tom Cruise
Known for being an adrenaline junkie, the Top Gun star often performs his own stunts for his action-packed films.
It’s no surprise that Cruise not only owns several aircraft, but is licensed to pilot them all. He obtained his flying license in 1994 and can pilot helicopters, fighter jets, private planes and even commercial flights, per Sportskeeda.
2. Harrison Ford
Ford is an avid pilot who got his flying licence in the 1960s, well before he became an actor. The Indiana Jones star has also been named a “Living Legend of Aviation” in the past, although unfortunately, he is better known for his aeroplane mishaps and near-fatal incidents that almost cost him his licence, per ABC News.
Ford’s latest near-fatal incident was in 2020, when the 81-year-old actor accidentally crossed a runway at Hawthorne Municipal Airport in Los Angeles, per NBC.
3. Angelina Jolie
On top of being an accomplished actress, director and humanitarian, Jolie is also the proud owner of several aircraft and has been a licensed pilot since 2004.
The Maleficent actress’ love for the sky started as an effort to impress her eldest son Maddox, 22, who was obsessed with aircraft when he was just three years old, per People.
“If I could actually fly a plane by the time he’s four, I’ll be like Superman to him,” Jolie said.
Since then, Jolie has also qualified to fly helicopters.
4. Brad Pitt
Like his now ex-wife Jolie, the Once Upon a Time in Hollywood actor is also a skilled pilot.
Pitt earned his private flying licence in the 1990s and is qualified to fly both single and multi-engine aircraft.
5. Gisele Bündchen
Bündchen can do it all. On top of being one of the highest-paid models in the world, she’s a skilled surfer, horse rider and helicopter pilot. According to Essentially Sports, the Brazilian supermodel was several months’ pregnant when she earned her flying licence.
6. Morgan Freeman
Long before he became an actor, Morgan Freeman served in the US Air Force. However, he never flew during his service and worked instead as a mechanic on the ground, per Slash Gear.
Freeman didn’t earn his private flying license until he was 65.
7. Dr. Phil
Phil McGraw – better known as Dr. Phil – is not only a licensed pilot, he went through intensive training to earn an Instrument Rating, arguably one of the most valuable and difficult ratings for a pilot.
8. John Travolta
John Travolta has been a licensed pilot since age 22, but this legendary Grease star is the gift that keeps on giving. In 2022, Travolta padded his aviation skills with a third license, authorizing him to pilot Boeing 747, 707 and 737 planes.
