I want to be a pilot someday! An aircraft pilot is someone who directs the flight of an aircraft by using its directional controls.
That's interesting. Have you ever been in a cockpit?
Yes! I sat in the copilots seat. There are others such as navigators and engineers that are part of the flight crew, but they don't manipulate the directional controls.
I'm a little afraid of flying, but it seems like a great career or hobby.
History.
The first recorded use of the term "aviator" ("aviateur" in French) was in 1887, as a variation of "aviation", from the Latin "avis" (meaning "bird"), coined in 1863 by G. de la Landelle in "Aviation Ou Navigation Aérienne" ("Aviation or Air Navigation"). The term "aviatrix" ("aviatrice" in French), now archaic, was formerly used for a female aviator. These terms were used more in
Aircraft pilot
An aircraft pilot or aviator is a person who controls the flight of an aircraft by operating its directional flight controls. Some other aircrew members, such as navigators or flight engineers, are also considered aviators, because they are involved in operating the aircraft's navigation and engine systems. Other aircrew members, such as flight attendants, mechanics and ground crew, are not classified as aviators.
In recognition of the pilots' qualifications and responsibilities, most militaries and many airlines worldwide award aviator badges to their pilots.