Tom Cruise doesn’t just have one plane that he flies himself
- Tom Cruise is perhaps best known for playing a pilot in Top Gun
- But in his real life, he also likes to take to the skies
- He has a impressive set of planes in his collection
Published on Aug 15, 2024 at 5:29 PM (UTC+4)
by Ben Thompson
Last updated on Aug 16, 2024 at 8:23 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Tom Wood
Tom Cruise made a name for himself in Hollywood playing a pilot, but it’s not just fiction for him, as he has his own fleet of planes.
The 62-year-old actor made it big playing Captain Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell in Top Gun and the recent sequel Top Gun: Maverick.
Having become a licensed pilot in 1994, Cruise is happy to extend his flying activities into his personal life.
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A closer look at Tom Cruise’s plane collection
When filming Top Gun in 1985, Cruise flew in a P-51 Mustang.
This plane, built in 1946, would enter the actor’s collection in 2001.
It’s a classical sort of plane, very much a practical machine rather than a luxurious ride.
That being said, it has received some rave reviews, including from Jennifer Connelly, Cruise’s co-star in the 2022 Top Gun sequel.
She described flying in the Mustang as ‘an amazing experience, certainly like nothing I’ve ever done before’, complimenting Cruise as an ‘amazing’ pilot.
James Corden also got the chance to ride in the Mustang on The Late Late Show, though it’s safe to say he didn’t enjoy it quite as much.
The Gulfstream GIV – a cozier option
If you don’t fancy feeling as queasy as Corden did, the luxurious Gulfstream GIV might be more up your street.
Beyond personal and professional travel, Cruise uses his GIV to deliver Christmas gifts to his famous friends – including Prince William and Princess Kate, who received a cake from Doan’s Bakery in LA.
The $20m jet was first brought onto the market in 1985 and has a maximum range of approximately 4,850 miles.
With two Rolls-Royce jet engines powering it, the Gulfstream IV can reach speeds of up to Mach 0.85 (561mph).
With room for up to 19 passengers and a ton of luxurious touches – bathroom, jacuzzi and a cinema – this plane would definitely be considered the scenic route.
It’s not only planes that have Cruise’s interest however, as he also lays claim to a $50m car collection.
His pricey taste puts him on the other end of the spectrum from his second wife, Nicole Kidman who admitted her main need in a car was ‘air conditioning’.
Different strokes for different folks, eh?
