Celebrities who love flying planes – from Victoria’s Secret models to Carol Vorderman

CELEBS are used to traveling by plane for work, but some famous faces have also bagged a pilot’s license.

From Hollywood star Harrison Ford to British stars like Carol Vorderman, these celebrities are all approved for cockpit use.

7

Tom cruise

More than 30 years ago, Tom Cruise appeared in the first-ever Top Gun film, giving him a taste of life as a death-defying fighter pilot.

Eight years after the film debuted, Cruise got his pilot’s license and he’s never stopped soaring.

In addition to helicopters, Cruise also commands fighter jets and climbs into the cockpit to perform his own stunts in Top Gun Maverick.

He’s even showcased his talent by taking Late Late Show host James Cordon for a spin.

The Hollywood star teased the British actor: “We’re just going to fly straight ahead, just relax, just take it easy a little” before flipping the plane upside down.”

7

Carol Vorderman

The ex-Countdown co-host proved it’s never too late to pursue your dreams after becoming a qualified pilot in her 50s in 2013.

Vorderman recently took to Instagram to describe her journey from passenger to pilot.

She said that as a young girl she dreamed of becoming either a fighter pilot or an astronaut – but neither profession was an option for girls at the time.

She said: “My first solo flight as a pilot was nine years ago today. It’s such a big deal for any pilot. The first time you take control of an airplane without your instructor in the cockpit to get you out of trouble. Just you and your plane and air traffic control on the radio.”

In the same post, she lent her voice to the hashtag #GirlsFlyToo to inspire other women.

Frontman, we salute you!

7

John Travolta

Before John Travolta became a global superstar, he was already flying high.

At the age of 15 he already had a flying class at his school, only seven years later he became a licensed pilot.

Since his first qualification, he has even flown around the world in a Boeing 707 for eight weeks.

In a video posted to his social media page, the Grease star said: “A very proud moment in my aviation history. To complement my 747 and 707 licenses, I just got my 737 license and it’s been going really well. I’m just sharing my moment with you.”

It means he’s one step closer – or funky dance move – to becoming a commercial pilot.

7

Gisele Bundchen

Global supermodel and former Victoria star Gisele took matters into her own hands and learned to fly a plane after worrying about what she would do on a flight if something happened to the pilot.

Seven months pregnant, she rose to the challenge and passed her exam with flying colors.

According to the Boston Herald, Shoreline Aviation’s president said Gisele was “one of the best pilots I’ve seen in a long time.”

7

Richard Hammond

The former Top Gear presenter got his helicopter license 10 years ago.

The journalist now owns a used Robinson R44 worth £150,000 which he keeps at his home in Herefordshire and even uses to fly to work.

7

Harrison Ford

Harrison Ford, best known for flying the Millennium Falcon across the galaxy as Han Solo, became a pilot at the age of 53.

The actor took classes after graduating from university but quit when he ran out of money.

After finding fame, he renewed his education and received his pilot’s license.

But Ford hasn’t had much luck in its cockpit.

The actor has crashed several planes over the years – at one point he was even carried away on a stretcher.

7

James Blunt

The You’re Beautiful singer has flying in his blood.

Having Blunt’s father as a colonel in the Army Air Corps and having a father who flies military helicopters proved very inspirational to the singer.

James Blunt said: “I can fly! I got my pilot’s license at the age of 16 before I could legally drive a car.”