First definition from answer.com via Google definition link.

1.. One who operates or is licensed to operate an aircraft in flight.

"mad8" wrote in message
ups.com...
and formula 1 and indy cart drivers are often referred to as pilots
technically, it all came from sailing, with a meaning similar to
"guide"
i guess he was in a way piloting. just not um *well* (to say the least)


not quoting the dictionary to make any point, just quoting as an FYI

pilot
A noun
5 pilot, airplane pilot
someone who is licensed to operate an aircraft in flight

6 pilot
a person qualified to guide ships through difficult waters going
into or out of a harbor

B verb
1 navigate, pilot
act as the navigator in a car, plane, or vessel and plan, direct,
plot the path and position of the conveyance; "Is anyone volunteering
to navigate during the trip?"; "Who was navigating the ship during the
accident?"






T o d d P a t t i s t wrote:
"Robert M. Gary" wrote:

There was no pilot on board according to the NTSB.

The pilot was unlicensed. The concept of "pilot" predates
the concept of licensing people to engage in that activity
by many years.

--
Do not spin this aircraft. If the aircraft does enter a spin it will
return to earth without further attention on the part of the aeronaut.

(first handbook issued with the Curtis-Wright flyer)