"Also, many commercial and ATP-rated pilots rarely if ever fly for
compensation and therefore operate the same way as a private pilot"

True. Part of the reason for this is the change in Part 61, back in the
70's. It used to be that to qualify for an ATP (they wre called "ATR"s
then), one had to have 1200 hours of flight time within the preceding 8
years. Now it's 1500 hrs time, without a time constraint. The non-commercial
pilot seeking an ATP as a status symbol would have a somewhat difficult time
getting 1200 hours in 8 years.
"Marco Leon" wrote in message
...
"Dallas" wrote in message
.. .

It's hard to believe the number is so low...

As of the end of 2006, there were 597,109 active pilots, according to
the
AOPA Jan. 12, 07 newsletter which cites the FAA's estimates. This number
has been declining slowly over the long term, down from a high of over
827,000 pilots in 1980. The numbers include:

84,866 student pilots
242 recreational pilots
939 sport pilots
236,147 private pilots
130,234 commercial pilots
144,681 airline transport pilots
Within those groups, there we

37, 837 glider pilots
10,511 balloon pilots
41,306 rotor (helicopter) pilots

Also, many commercial and ATP-rated pilots rarely if ever fly for
compensation and therefore operate the same way as a private pilot.

At least the Sport Pilot license is doing better than the Recreational
license holders. It would also be interesting to see how many of the Sport
Pilots got the ticket for reasons other than the lack of a 3rd Class
medical
requirement.

Marco