The Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens director has been working with Ford, who plays Han Solo in the upcoming installment, and credits the star's piloting skills as the reason why he walked away from the incident.

Speaking during a Star Wars event in California this week (beg13Apr15), Abrams gave an update of Ford's condition, telling fans, "He's doing great and working hard. I had respect for him all my life but I never had more respect for him than when I saw how he landed that plane. He's more of a hero than anyone he played on film."

Ford was unable to attend Star Wars Celebration event because he is still recovering from the injuries he sustained in the crash.

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