Number of Active Pilots
As of the end of 2009, in the US, there were an estimated 594,285 active certificated pilots. This number has been declining gradually over the past several decades, down from a high of over 827,000 pilots in 1980. The numbers include:
- 72,280 student pilots
- 234 recreational pilots
- 3,248 sport pilots
- 211,619 private pilots
- 125,738 commercial pilots
- 144,600 airline transport pilots
- 21,268 glider-only pilots
- 15,298 rotorcraft-(helicopter)-only pilots
These numbers are based on the highest certifications held by individual pilots.
There were also 94,863 certified flight instructors (CFIs), and 323,495 pilots overall who held instrument ratings.
An active pilot is defined as one who holds both a pilot certificate and a valid medical certificate, for certifications that require a medical certificate.
Read more about this topic: Pilot Certification In The United States
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“You know what I’m talking about. This business has changed. Flyers aren’t pilots anymore, they’re engineers. This is a college man’s game. Our work is done. The pioneering is over.”
—Frank W. Wead (1895?–1947)