Aircraft pilot

An aircraft pilot, often called an aviator, is a person who controls an aircraft's flight.

They do this by operating the directional controls of the vehicle. In the aviation industry, the term aviator also includes specific aircrew members. These include navigators and flight engineers who help with navigation and engine systems. However, other workers like flight attendants, mechanics, and ground crew are not classified as aviators. To show their skills, many militaries and airlines award aviator badges to their pilots.

To operate an aircraft, a person must obtain a pilot license. This ensures that every flight is completed safely and legally.

Civilian pilots work in many different ways. Some fly privately for pleasure, charity, or business. Others work commercially for airlines to carry passengers and cargo. These are often called airline pilots, and the person in command is known as the captain. Pilots also work in agriculture for crop dusting, in law enforcement, and for forest fire control.

The term "aviator" has a long history. It was first recorded in 1887 as a variation of aviation. The word comes from the Latin "avis," which means bird.

In the early days of flight, the term suggested bravery and adventure. For example, a 1905 reference work noted the Wright brothers' first airplane weighed about 700 pounds, including the aviator. As flying became more common, official certificates were needed for safety. In 1908, Louis Blériot received the first certificate from the Aéro-Club de France. Other early pioneers included Glenn Curtiss, Léon Delagrange, and Robert Esnault-Pelterie.

Military pilots serve with a nation's armed forces. They often fly specialized aircraft for combat or support operations.

These pilots undergo rigorous training that is different from civilian training. Their syllabus includes learning to use weapons and handling different flight goals. Military pilots can include fighter pilots, bomber pilots, transport pilots, and test pilots. Some even become astronauts.

Even though their training is unique, many military pilots later transfer to civilian flying. Their military experience often serves as the foundation for their civilian pilot licenses.

Historical military aviation saw the creation of the first bombing groups. In November 1914, France created the first group using Voisin III aircraft.

These early missions were difficult because the bombs were rudimentary. Crews often had to throw them overboard by hand. Despite these challenges, tactical bombing began during the early stages of the war. Other units, like the German "Ostend Carrier Pigeon Detachment," also conducted missions during this era.

The aviation industry is massive and constantly changing. In 2017, there were 290,000 airline pilots worldwide. Boeing expects a need for 790,000 new pilots over a twenty-year period starting in 2018. This includes 635,000 for commercial aviation and 59,000 for helicopters. In the United States, there were 691,691 active pilot certificates in 2020. These included 164,193 airline transport pilots and 222,629 students. Some highly skilled pilots, such as those flying a Global 6000, can earn between $245,000 and $265,000 annually.

New technology is introducing automation into the cockpit. Unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs, are also known as drones.

Some UAVs are autonomous, meaning they fly without active human control. Others are remotely piloted by people on the ground. While some experts believe pilotless airliners could appear by 2025, others have concerns. The Air Line Pilots Association argues that removing pilots could threaten safety. There is also a debate about using artificial intelligence, as some experts say AI cannot yet be certified for safe air transport.