Iron Maiden singer and experienced pilot Bruce Dickinson was recently forced to make an emergency landing when his plane ran low on fuel.

The excitement took place earlier this week at the Royal Air Force Halton airport near Wendover, England. The metal star was flying his Fokker Triplane – which, by the way, you've got to see to believe – and wisely changed course when he realized he might not be able to complete his planned journey.

"We applaud Bruce Dickinson’s decision to divert to RAF Halton rather than press to his destination with potentially low fuel," squadron leader Gary Coleman told the Bucks Herald. "To see such a well-regarded pilot, and world-renowned rock singer, make this decision is great for our student pilots to see. It makes them realize that anyone can find themselves low on fuel due to unforeseen circumstances and that the right decision is to divert."

Dickinson and his Iron Maiden bandmates clearly aren't running on fumes when it comes to songwriting. The legendary group's upcoming album, Book of Souls, which hits stores Sept. 4, will be their first-ever double album. It will feature an 18-minute long epic named "Empire of the Clouds" composed solely by the singer. The record's first single, "Speed of Light," arrives this Friday, but you can hear a snippet of it right here and now.

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