Maddox Jolie-Pitt Becomes a Pilot—Here’s How He’s Taking After His Mom

Maddox Jolie-Pitt, the 23-year-old son of Hollywood icons Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, is charting his own course—literally. While his famous parents have made their mark in the entertainment world, Maddox is following in his mother’s footsteps as he pursues a career in aviation.

Following in Mom’s Footsteps: A Career in Aviation

On December 5, during an appearance on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon, Angelina Jolie revealed that her son Maddox is not only interested in flying, but is already well on his way to becoming a licensed pilot. “I am a pilot. And my son Maddox is training to be a pilot too,” Jolie shared with excitement. “He, actually, he is a pilot now.”

Jolie’s love for aviation began in 2004, inspired by her young son’s fascination with airplanes. She recalled, “Every time Mad sees a plane, he’s amazed. If I could actually fly a plane by the time he’s 4, I’ll be like Superman to him,” she told People Magazine at the time. True to her word, Jolie began taking flying lessons herself and received her pilot’s license in December 2004. To commemorate her new skills, she even bought a single-engine Cirrus SR22-G2 plane, and in a sweet nod to her son, she added the letters “MX” to the tail of her aircraft.

In a heartwarming revelation from 2017, Jolie shared that Maddox had also taken to the skies, beginning his own flying lessons. “He’s quite capable and always takes me by surprise. He’s been practicing flying, then they called me the other day and said, ‘so Mad can go solo,’ and I nearly dropped the phone!” Jolie said, clearly proud of her son’s progress.

A Family Affair in the Skies

Maddox’s journey into aviation wasn’t just about impressing his mother. Jolie, who had long held a passion for flying, was also motivated by the desire to connect with her son in a meaningful way. She began taking flight lessons as a way to share in Maddox’s fascination with planes, and over time, this evolved into a shared passion for both mother and son. With her own experience as a pilot, Jolie was able to guide Maddox and watch him soar in his own right.

In 2004, Jolie’s newfound confidence in flying, coupled with her growing passion, made her a beloved figure in the aviation community. A source close to the actress described her as a “completely competent, confident flyer” who bonded well with other women pilots-to-be at the local hangar. “She just beams in the cockpit,” the source added, capturing Jolie’s enthusiasm for flying and the connections she forged with fellow aviators.

The Road Less Traveled: A Backup Career That Shows Jolie’s Unique Outlook

Though aviation is her passion, Jolie’s professional interests have been diverse over the years. In a candid moment, she once revealed that if acting hadn’t worked out, she had considered a backup career as a funeral director. Laughing at the thought, Jolie explained, “Doesn’t it make sense, though? My grandfather died and I remembered thinking this is not how they should be. This should be a celebration of life and since I’m not afraid of death and I was comfortable with it, I thought this would be a great career path. I could make this better. I could do a thing here. It’s my fallback career.”

Jolie’s openness about this unconventional career path highlights her deep introspection and willingness to explore a wide array of life experiences, both in her personal and professional life.

Conclusion: A Shared Legacy of Passion and Dedication

Maddox Jolie-Pitt’s pursuit of a career in aviation is not only a testament to his own abilities but also a reflection of the strong bond between mother and son. Following in Angelina’s footsteps, Maddox has not only embraced a new skill but is charting a course toward a future defined by passion, dedication, and the desire to connect with the world in meaningful ways. Whether soaring above the clouds or exploring new paths in life, Maddox is undoubtedly carrying forward the spirit of adventure and resilience that his mother has always embodied.