Harrison Ford kept his pilot license despite how he landed a plane
- Harrison Ford is one of the world’s most beloved actors
- He starred as Indiana Jones and Han Solo in Star Wars
- But Ford nearly got his pilot license revoked in 2017
- You can watch the awkward landing in the video below
Published on Apr 18, 2025 at 3:08 PM (UTC+4)
by Keelin McNamara
Last updated on Apr 18, 2025 at 3:08 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
For over 40 years, Harrison Ford has been one of the world’s most beloved actors.
The Chicago, Illinois native has starred in some of the silver screen’s most iconic roles.
Outside of his acting career, Ford is well-known for his avid love of flying.
In 2017, however, Han Solo himself was nearly grounded for an…interesting landing.
VISIT SBX CARS – View live supercar auctions powered by Supercar Blondie
Harrison Ford: big break came in later in life
Unlike many celebrities and movie stars, Harrison Ford did not get his big break until later on in life.
In the early 1970s, Ford was working as a self-taught carpenter in order to support his young family.
Despite starting his acting career in 1964, it was a role in 1973 that helped Ford get his big break.
Ford managed to secure an audition (and later, the role) in the George Lucas film, American Graffiti.
It was this role, and his friendship with Lucas, that would alter the course of Harrison Ford’s career forever.
In 1977, at the age of 35, Ford managed to secure the role of Han Solo in the space epic, “Star Wars”.
As you might be aware by now, “Star Wars” would become one of the biggest movie franchises in history.
1981 would see Ford land his second legendary role – that of the archaeologist Indiana Jones.
Ford has endured as one of Hollywood’s biggest stars ever since – and has remained much beloved.
Han Solo nearly got himself grounded – permanently
Harrison Ford loves to fly – and we do emphasise, loves.
In fact, Ford owns his own private plane that he flies regularly.
However, in 2017, Harrison Ford nearly got his license taken away from him.
Eight years ago, Ford was flying his plane into John Wayne Airport in California.
And the legendary actor made a big mistake with his landing.
Ford’s private plane came over an American Airlines plane that was about to taxi onto the runway.
The actor then landed on the taxiway, just in front of the airliner that he had flown over.
Whilst not being the Millenium Falcon, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) took a dim view.
Thankfully, America’s aviation authority decided not to take any action against Ford.
The FAA acknowledged Ford’s immediate apology, as well as his decades of good flying.
DISCOVER SBX CARS: The global premium car auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie
Keelin McNamara is a content writer at Supercar Blondie from Ireland, covering cars, technology, and lifestyle. Despite being a Law graduate, he discovered his passion for journalism during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has worked in the industry ever since. Outside of work, he is an avid MotoGP fan, and is a self-confessed addict of the sport.
