Harrison Ford, renowned for his iconic roles in films like “Indiana Jones” and “Star Wars”, is not just a celebrated actor but also an avid aviation enthusiast. Ford’s passion for flying has led him to amass an impressive fleet of aircraft, representing a unique blend of luxury, history, and cutting-edge technology.
Harrison Ford’s passion for aviation dates back to the 1960s
Harrison Ford’s love for aviation began early in his career. According to AvStop.com, Ford first learned how to fly a Piper PA-22 Tri-Pacer in the 1960s at Wild Rose Idlewild Airport in Wisconsin. However, at $15 (equivalent to roughly $151 today) an hour, Ford could not afford to continue his training.
Some thirty years later, in the mid-1990s, Ford’s successful acting career allowed him to purchase a used Gulfstream II. At age 53, he asked one of his pilots to give him flying lessons.
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While Harrison Ford has had quite a few incidents, he remains an active flyer to this day.
Over the years, Ford has invested in various airplanes and helicopters, spending countless hours in the sky. His dedication to flying extends beyond a mere hobby; it’s a significant part of his life. Ford owns eight aircraft, including a Bell 407GX helicopter, de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver, 1929 Waco Taperwing, Ryan Aeronautical ST3KR, and Aviat A-1C-180 Husky, per 50 Sky Shades.
Ford’s jet: the Cessna Citation Sovereign 680
One of the standout aircraft – and the only jet – in Ford’s collection is the Cessna Citation Sovereign 680 (registration: N6GU). This super-midsize jet is renowned for its luxurious features and impressive performance.
According to GQ Magazine, Ford’s Citation Sovereign, which sports a dark green paint job, is worth $18.8 million. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW306C engines, the jet has a range of 3,200 nautical miles (3,682 miles / 5,926 km) and can reach a maximum speed of Mach 0.80 (530 knots / 609 mph / 980 km/h). This allows Ford to fly from Wyoming, where he lives on an 800-acre (320-hectare / 3.2-square-kilometer) ranch, to popular cities such as Los Angeles, New York City, and Miami with ease.
Based on data from Celebrity Private Jet Tracker, Ford’s most recent flight on his Citation Sovereign was a 1,999-nautical mile (2,300-mile / 3,701-kilometer) journey that took place on June 10, 2024, from Okeechobee County Airport in Florida to Hawthorne Municipal Airport in California.
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The actor had been involved in numerous incidents in the last 25 years.
Ford has flown five other flights in his Citation Sovereign so far this year:
|
Flight Date |
Origin |
Destination |
Flight Distance |
|
March 19 |
Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, Kansas |
Okeechobee County Airport, Florida |
1,043 nautical miles (1,200 miles / 1,921 km) |
|
March 3 |
Hawthorne Municipal Airport, California |
Eisenhower National Airport |
1,043 nautical miles (1,200 miles / 1,921 km) |
|
March 1 |
McGhee Tyson Airport, Tennessee |
Hawthorne Municipal Airport |
1,738 nautical miles (2,000 miles / 3,219 km) |
|
February 19 |
Hawthorne Municipal Airport |
McGhee Tyson Airport |
1,738 nautical miles (2,000 miles / 3,219 km) |
|
January 31 |
Teterboro Airport, New Jersey |
Miami-Opa Locka Airport, Florida |
956 nautical miles (1,100 miles / 1,770 km) |
Cabin interior, technology features, and avionics
The Citation Sovereign offers a roomy cabin with plush leather seats, ensuring maximum comfort for all passengers. The jet Citation Sovereign features a spacious cabin for Ford and his family, boasting the following dimensions, per NetJets:
- Height: 5.7 feet (1.7 meters)
- Width: 5.5 feet (1.7 meters)
- Length: 24.2 feet (7.4 meters)
- Baggage capacity: 100 cubic feet (2.8 cubic meters)
Photo: Flyexclusive
This expansive interior accommodates up to eleven passengers or eight club seats, with 15 oversize windows that flood the cabin with natural light. Unlike commercial airliners, the Citation Sovereign’s lavatory has two windows, offering additional natural light – truly the epitome of luxury travel.
The Citation Sovereign is equipped with a range of technological features, including internet connectivity, power outlets, intuitive cabin controls for setting the optimal environment, and real-time maps and flight tracking.
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During their production runs, Cessna built 349 Sovereign and 94 Sovereign+ aircraft.
Up in the front, the cockpit is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, providing a smooth and safe flying experience. The Citation Sovereign uses the Honeywell Primus Epic glass cockpit avionics, with four LCD screens.
It takes two
It’s worth noting that the Citation Sovereign requires two pilots to operate. As such, Ford needs a co-pilot each time he flies his jet. This, in addition to the higher operating cost, could contribute to why the propeller-driven de Havilland Beaver (he uses it more frequently than the Citation Sovereign) is his favorite out of his entire fleet.
Nevertheless, when the jet-setting need arises, Ford’s Citation Sovereign rises to the task, embodying his passion for aviation and appreciation for luxury and adventure. In an interview with The Mail On Sunday in 2010, Ford was quoted saying:
“Flying is like good music: it elevates the spirit and it’s an exhilarating freedom. It’s not a thrill thing or an adrenaline rush; it’s engaging in a process that takes focus and commitment.”