- The Aviator is a 2004 movie.
- Aviator is also a 1983 computer game by Geoff Crammond.
An aviator is a person who flies aircraft for pleasure or as a profession. The word is normally applied to pilots but it can be applied more broadly, for example to include people such as wing-walkers who regularly take part in an aerobatic display sequence. The word aviatrix is sometimes used of women flyers, reflecting the word's Latin root.
The term was more used in the early days of aviation and has connotations of bravery and adventure. As Steve Fossett has shown with his 2002 solo flight around the globe in a helium balloon, then his nonstop solo jet circumnavigation that completed on March 3, 2005, there are still challenges to be flown and records to be broken.
Anyone can fly an aircraft, with or without a certificate. However, at all times the aircraft must be under the operational control of a properly certified and current pilot, who is responsible for the safe and legal completion of the flight. The absolute authority given to the Pilot in Command is derived from that of a ship’s captain.
Civilian
Civilian pilots fly privately for pleasure, charity, or in pursuance of a business, for non-scheduled commercial air transport companies, or for airlines. When flying for an airline, the pilots are usually referred to as airline pilots.
Airline pilots in the U.S. have an average salary of $129,250 per year, while other commercial pilots earn an average salary of $53,870 per year. Salary varies depending on the type of airplane being flown. For example, pilots who fly jets are generally paid more than pilots who fly propeller and turbo prop planes.
Since learning to fly can be very expensive, a very large percentage of civilian pilots were once part of the military. However, commercial flight training schools are starting to increase the number of civilian pilots who did not learn to fly in military training.
Military
Military pilots fly under government contract for the defence of countries. Their tasks involve combat and non-combat operations, including direct hostile engagements and support operations. Military pilots undergo specialised training, often with weapons operation and defensive maneuvering. Some military pilots are also civilian pilots.
Well-known aviators
People largely known for their contributions to the history of aviation:
While all of these people were pilots (and some still are) many are also noted for contributions in areas such as aircraft design and manufacturing, navigation, or popularization.
Other famous military pilots:
People from other walks of life with aviation in their history:
See also
