Plain English Meaning

The official FAA word for people who hold an aviation certificate to fly, instruct, dispatch, or work on aircraft. It covers everyone the FAA licenses on the operations and maintenance side, not just pilots.

Full Definition

A general term used by the FAA to refer to certificated individuals who operate or maintain aircraft, including pilots, flight engineers, flight instructors, mechanics, parachute riggers, dispatchers, and air traffic control specialists. The term applies regardless of gender.

Context Anchor

Seen in FAA handbooks, regulations, certificates, testing, and training standards when the FAA is talking about people who aviation duties.