Angelina Jolie and Her Aviation Passion
Angelina Jolie is an accomplished actress, director, and humanitarian. But there is another passion that she has been quietly pursuing for years – aviation. Jolie has been interested in flying since she was a child, and over the years, she has taken steps to turn that interest into a reality.
Jolie’s interest in aviation started when she was a child, as her father, actor Jon Voight, was a licensed pilot. She accompanied him on many flights and developed a fascination for the art of flying. In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Jolie said that flying “gave me a sense of freedom.” She added that it was “the closest thing I have found to meditation.”
As an adult, Jolie took flying lessons and earned her pilot’s license in 2004. She has since owned several planes, including a Cirrus SR22 and a Beechcraft Bonanza. She also holds a helicopter pilot’s license and has flown a variety of helicopters, including the Bell 206 JetRanger and the Robinson R44.
Angelina Jolie – ICAO
Jolie’s passion for flying has not gone unnoticed by the aviation community. In 2016, she was invited to join the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as a special envoy. The ICAO is a United Nations agency that works to promote safe and sustainable air travel. As a special envoy, Jolie works to raise awareness about the importance of aviation in humanitarian efforts and to advocate for greater gender equality in the aviation industry.
Jolie’s aviation skills have also come in handy for her work as a humanitarian. In 2012, she flew her plane to Tanzania to visit a refugee camp as part of her work with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). She has also used her planes to transport aid to disaster-stricken areas, such as Haiti after the 2010 earthquake.
Minor Accident with Cirrus SR22
Jolie’s aviation passion has not been without its challenges, however. In 2016, she was involved in a minor plane incident when her plane’s engine failed shortly after takeoff. She was flying the Cirrus SR22 at the time and had to make an emergency landing on a runway in Los Angeles. Fortunately, no one was injured.
Despite the occasional challenge, Jolie’s passion for flying remains strong. In an interview with Vanity Fair, she said, “There’s something about feeling the freedom of moving through the air that gives me a sense of renewal and peace. It’s the only place I have found that I can completely clear my mind.“
In conclusion, Angelina Jolie’s passion for aviation is a lesser-known aspect of her life and career, but it is one that has been a constant for many years. Her commitment to aviation safety, humanitarian efforts, and gender equality in the industry make her a valuable member of the aviation community. With her passion for flying, Jolie continues to inspire others to pursue their own dreams, whatever they may be.
References:
- “Angelina Jolie: Learning to Fly.” Harper’s Bazaar, 6 July 2010, https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/news/a5636/angelina-jolie-learning-to-fly-0710/.
- “Angelina Jolie Becomes Special Envoy of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.” United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, 17 April 2012, https://www.unhcr.org/news/press/2012/4/4f8c8a746/angelina-jolie-becomes-special-envoy-united-nations-high-commissioner-refugees.html.
- “Angelina Jolie on Her Most Difficult Role Yet.” Vanity Fair, 26 July 2017, https://www.vanityfair.com/h
Featured image source:
https://allaboutaviation.gr/en/2015/08/top-5-celebrity-pilots-stars-that-fly-in-the-sky/angelina-jolie-pilot/