Hilary Swank is set to become the latest celebrity high-flier as part of her research into early aviator Amelia Earhart. The actress will play the historical figure in a biopic that starts shooting in late February, and she's planning flying lessons in the new year.

Swank says, "She's very much an inspiration. I am looking forward to playing her. I am going to take flying lessons, which is so exciting."

But the production could fail to get off the ground if the Hollywood writers' strike isn't over.

Swank adds, "We are not filming until late February. So while I am doing my preparation of breaking down Amelia, and figuring out show she is, I pray the strike will have been resolved by then."

-Hilary Swank Pictures

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)