An aviator, also known as a pilot, can have a diverse career in aviation, from flying small planes recreationally to working commercially for airlines, private companies, or the military. Aviators can also work as instructors or test pilots for aircraft manufacturers. Training options include flight school, private pilot lessons, or military training.
An aviator is someone who flies an airplane, either professionally or recreationally. The term “aviator” is not as common these days, with aviators often being referred to as “pilots”. Whether you call someone who flies an airplane an aviator or a pilot, a professional career in this field can be quite diverse, with a number of career opportunities open to people who hold certifications that allow them to fly aircraft.
Recreationally, an aviator works mostly with small planes. He or she must have a basic recreational pilot’s license and can obtain additional licenses, such as an instrument rating or multi-engine license, for more flexibility. Pilots planning to fly professionally need an additional license, which allows them to carry paying passengers and freight.
Commercial aviators can work on commercial aircraft that transport passengers and freight, charter airlines that offer services on private jets, and medical evacuation and transport services that utilize aircraft. An aviator can also be hired by a private company to fly the company plane, remaining on call to be available when necessary to transport employees, company guests or materials by air. Professional aviators can also work as instructors, training new pilots and providing additional training for certified pilots who want to expand or update their skills.
The military also needs airmen. In a nation with an air force, an airman can fly planes for the air force and test planes that the air force is considering adopting. Airmen are also employed by most navies and armies, as these branches of the military often need pilots and aircraft from time to time. After training as a pilot for the armed forces and working for a set number of years, aviators who are not interested in military careers can often easily find employment in the civilian world, as pilots with military aviation experience are highly valued.
Companies that manufacture aircraft and develop new aircraft also have use for aviators. Test pilots, as they are known, fly new and experimental aircraft to test them and provide feedback to designers. These aviators usually have engineering experience in addition to a high level of skill as pilots, so they can contribute to the process of designing and refining an airplane to ensure that it is safe and does what it is supposed to do.
People interested in careers in aviation can pursue a variety of training options, including flight school, private pilot lessons, or military training.
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