Summary
John Travolta’s Early Aspirations
Even before he became a pop culture icon in 1977’s Saturday Night Fever and 1978’s Grease, John Travolta had a keen interest in aviation. Hailing from New Jersey, this talented actor began taking flying lessons as a teenager. His passion for flying persisted over the years, showcasing a unique blend of show business and aviation.
Recent Aviation Successes
Recently, Travolta took to Instagram to proudly announce his achievement of becoming a licensed 737 pilot. In the captivating 15-second video, he remarked, “A very proud moment in my aviation history. To add to my 747 and 707 licenses, I just received my 737 license, and it went very well. Just sharing my moment with you.”
At 68 years old, this milestone signifies a significant advance in his journey toward becoming a commercial pilot. According to Alliance Aviation, a reputable training center, obtaining a 737 license involves a comprehensive program that consists of 80 hours of ground school, eight hours of system integration training, and 36 hours of flight simulator training.
Travolta’s Aviation Career Highlights
Travolta has been a licensed pilot since the age of 22 and often shares moments from his aviation adventures on social media. He previously posted a nostalgic image from his early aviation classes, stating: “When I was 15 years old, my school offered an aviation class, which started my second career.” This reflection emphasizes his enduring commitment to aviation.
Additionally, he has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with Qantas as an ambassador. Notably, in 2002, he undertook a remarkable 13-city Spirit of Friendship Tour, flying a Boeing 707 globally for eight weeks. He reminisced, “As a kid, I’d collect all the history of airlines,” demonstrating his lifelong fascination with flying.
His late wife, Kelly Preston, provided insights into their aviation-themed Florida home in 2004. The property features two airplane pavilions and a 7,500-foot runway, which Travolta extended for convenient access to his aircraft. She shared, “It was always John’s dream to have planes in his front yard—to practically be able to pull up to the house—so that when you wanted to go to dinner, all you’d have to do was step out the door, get on the plane and whisk off.”
