Hilary Swank has wings clipped

Hilary Swank was stopped from getting her pilot licence by anxious film bosses on new movie 'Amelia', in which she plays famous aviator Amelia Earhart.

29 October 2009
Hilary Swank was stopped from getting her pilot licence by anxious film bosses.

The 35-year-old actress plays famous aviator Amelia Earhart in upcoming movie 'Amelia' and was very keen to star in the movie because she always wanted to fly.

Before shooting started Hilary had already begun flying lessons but was told her dreams of taking to the air would not come true because the film's insurance would not cover it.

She said: "I had about 19 hours of flying under my belt, but the insurance policy on the movie was never going to allow me do that.

"It's something I take very seriously. I'm not a big sweater, but when I land, my back is drenched. It takes a lot of concentration. It's really exhilarating.

"You can't play Amelia Earhart and not learn how to fly. That's just wrong in every way."

Hilary who appears alongside Richard Gere in 'Amelia' was cast by director Mira Nair to play Earhart, a pilot who disappeared in 1937 while trying to circle the globe.

© 2009 NZCity, Bang Showbiz