Sky’s the Limit: Celebrities Who Soar in a Helicopter
A Glimpse into the Aviation Passions of Famous Figures
When it comes to hobbies, you might think celebrities partake in all sorts of extravagant activities— and you’d be right! While many enjoy the usual fare like video games or collecting motorcycles, a select group takes their pursuits to the skies. Yes, it turns out that quite a few celebs have traded in the red carpets and silver screens for pilot licenses, and some even take to the air in their very own helicopters! Here’s a look at some high-flying stars who navigate the skies with style.
Harrison Ford: Legend in More Ways Than One
Harrison Ford’s reputation as an icon in Hollywood is surpassed only by his skills in the cockpit. Beginning his pilot training in the 1960s and completing it by 1996 at age 53, Ford has showcased his flying prowess in real-life situations. A notable incident occurred in 2015 when he managed to crash-land his two-seater plane on a golf course after an engine failure, emerging with only minor injuries. Ford flies both planes and helicopters, using his skills for noble causes, including search-and-rescue missions.
Clint Eastwood: A Tough Guy at Heart
Clint Eastwood is not just a tough guy on screen; he’s tough in real life as well. After surviving a military plane crash in 1951, he later acquired his helicopter license nearly four decades later in 1989. While lesser-known than Ford, Eastwood occasionally stirred the skies in his Eurocopter AS350, often seen making grand exits from events. His involvement in aviation extends even into instructional roles, having featured in an FAA training video to educate pilot trainees.
Gisele Bündchen: Supermodel and Sky Queen
Gisele Bündchen, one of fashion’s greats, is not just good at walking runways. In 2009, while pregnant with her first child, she pursued and earned her helicopter license, driven by a desire for safety in the skies. Bündchen trained in a Robinson R44, a versatile machine frequently spotted at her modeling events. Sharing her passion, she teaches her children the art of flying, reinforcing her belief in the importance of female representation in aviation.
Richard Hammond: The ‘Top Gear’ Star with Helicopter Skills
Fans of “Top Gear” already know Richard Hammond has a penchant for speed, but did you know he also flies? Earning his pilot certificate in 2012, Hammond has entertained viewers with his piloting antics, including flying a historic Westland Gazelle on his show. His preferred ride is a Robinson R44 Raven II, a sturdy and popular choice among helicopter enthusiasts.
Lauren Sánchez Bezos: The Journalist Turning Heads in the Sky
Before her marriage to Jeff Bezos, journalist Lauren Sánchez already lit up the media world. She obtained her pilot license at 40, inspired by her childhood experiences at her parents’ flight school. Sánchez often shares her love for flying via social media and has even taken her kids along for the journey. She founded BlackOps Aviation, an aerial filming company, and has flown a variety of helicopters, including the sophisticated Airbus H145.
Angelina Jolie: Humanitarian Pilot
Angelina Jolie isn’t just admired for her acting; her humanitarian efforts have taken her high above the ground. Inspired by her father, who was also a pilot, Jolie learned to fly in 2004. She often pilots for charity missions, utilizing her aircraft to reach remote locations. Jolie owns several helicopters, showcasing her deep connection to aviation as well as her commitment to causes close to her heart.
Morgan Freeman: Flying High Later in Life
At 65, Morgan Freeman decided it was time to chase his lifelong dream of becoming a pilot, achieving his license in 2002 after serving in the Air Force. Known for his calm demeanor, Freeman primarily flies for leisure, often preferring to avoid the hassle of commercial flights. Despite health challenges stemming from a car accident, he has always maintained an interest in piloting.
Bill Burr: The Comedian Behind the Controls
While famous for his comedic talent, Bill Burr also boasts a unique hobby: flying helicopters. Earning his license in 2015, he humorously recounts his aerial escapades, illustrating how much he enjoys the experience. Despite owning a two-seater helicopter, he faced a comedic predicament when he needed to evacuate his family during wildfires, humorously realizing he couldn’t fit everyone aboard.
Jeff Dunham: Building His Own Helicopters
Ventriloquist and comedian Jeff Dunham doesn’t just fly; he builds helicopters, crafting them from kits since the 1980s. His affinity for aviation is as unique as his on-stage personas, making him a standout among celebrities. Each of his creations reflects his hands-on approach and lifelong passion for flying, which he shares through various interviews recounting his exciting aviation adventures.
These celebrities remind us that the sky’s the limit, highlighting how their varied interests and passions extend well beyond the entertainment industry. So, the next time you spot a celebrity flying overhead, it could just be one of these stars enjoying a bird’s-eye view of the world below!