aviator
n.a person who flies an aircraft. It is an older word that people still use to sound more formal or romantic.
n.a person who flies an aircraft, especially as a profession or a hobby. Often used in a formal or historical context to distinguish pilots from those who fly for commercial or military reasons.
“The young aviator prepared for his first solo flight.”
“The museum features a collection of vintage aircraft and the personal gear of a famous early aviator.”
“While the term 'pilot' is now standard in modern aviation, the title of aviator still carries a certain romantic weight, often used to describe those who fly for adventure or personal challenge.”
“It was a turning point.” Soon afterward, French aviators and RAC drivers observed a 30-mile gap opening between two overstretched German divisions.”
Borrowed from French aviateur.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.