Travolta makes appearance at aviation convention

OSHKOSH, Wis. (AP) - August 1, 2008 "Aviation has always bailed me out of anything in my mind that is blue," the 54-year-old actor told reporters at the Experimental Aircraft Association's AirVenture, an annual aviation convention. "I can look through an airline schedule and brochure and cheer up."

Travolta, who was 15 when he took his first flying lessons, said he has owned 17 different aircraft over the last 34 years. He now owns a Boeing 707, Eclipse 500 and Gulf Stream II.

Travolta flew his Boeing to the convention. His Eclipse was also there.

He lives on a fly-in community in Florida, where he parks his three planes at his home.

"That's how crazy I am about it. If I can look out the bedroom and see the planes, I am happy," said the star of such films as "Saturday Night Fever" and "Pulp Fiction."

Travolta was promoting Eclipse Aviation, which was showing off fuel-efficient planes at the convention. Travolta is friends with founder Vern Raburn.

Later Friday, Travolta planned to introduce his 1996 movie "Broken Arrow," in which he portrays a U.S. Air Force pilot.

Travolta said he and celebrities like Harrison Ford - who made an appearance Wednesday - promote aviation because fewer people are interested now than when he was a child.

"Maybe if John Travolta or Harrison Ford is interested in this, maybe it's something for me," Travolta said. "That's really the bigger purpose is to get the young people interested in aviation again and the aerospace industry."

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