a licensed pilot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a licensed pilot" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone who has obtained the necessary certification to operate an aircraft. Example: "To ensure safety, all flights are operated by a licensed pilot with extensive training and experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

(Yes, she was also a licensed pilot).

The New York Times

(6) He has been a licensed pilot since 1980.

The Guardian - Music

Lauren, a skier and a licensed pilot, is set to enter Harvard Business School this fall.

The New York Times

He has been a competitive sailor and is a licensed pilot who restored his own airplane.

The New York Times

Who better to lead the Jets than Schottenheimer, a licensed pilot?

The New York Times

Armstrong became a licensed pilot on his 16th birthday and a naval air cadet in 1947.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

The two-seat biplane carries one passenger in the front cockpit, while an experienced licensed pilot mans the controls in the rear cockpit.

The New York Times

Here's the latest accessory for the licensed pilot: a watch that doubles as a rescue beacon.

The New York Times - Tech

A licensed private pilot, she was also a cycling enthusiast, pedaling across Europe and the Rockies in her early 60's.

The New York Times

Murad, the licensed pilot, at one point suggested to Basit dive-bombing a plane into C.I.A. headquarters.

The New Yorker

But there are subtle shifts, most notably that women have moved out of the era of "firsts"–as in, first U.S. female licensed pilot (Harriet Quimby in 1911), first female captain of a major U.S. airline (Emily Howell Warner in 1976) or first woman to fly around the world in a helicopter (Jennifer Murray in 1997).

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about aviation incidents, specify that the involved pilot was "a licensed pilot" to assure readers of their qualifications, unless the lack of a license is the central point.

Common error

Don't assume that being "a licensed pilot" automatically equates to flawless flying. Licensing indicates meeting minimum standards, not infallibility. Mentioning continued training or specific experience adds valuable context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a licensed pilot" functions as a noun phrase, specifically identifying someone who holds the legal certification to operate an aircraft. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where it serves to describe individuals in various news and media contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a licensed pilot" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to an individual certified to operate an aircraft. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is widespread across news, media, and encyclopedic sources. The phrase serves to convey specific qualifications and competence within an aviation context. When using this phrase, ensure you are emphasizing the individual's qualifications and competence in a specific situation. Remember, having a license doesn't guarantee perfection; additional details about experience or training may be necessary to provide a complete picture.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

certified aviator

Replaces "pilot" with "aviator" and "licensed" with "certified", maintaining the core meaning.

credentialed pilot

Substitutes "licensed" with "credentialed", highlighting formal qualifications.

accredited airplane pilot

Replaces "licensed" with "accredited", emphasizing formal recognition.

legally authorized pilot

Replaces "licensed" with "legally authorized" to underscore the legal aspect of flying.

qualified aircraft operator

Substitutes "pilot" with a more formal "aircraft operator" and "licensed" with "qualified", increasing formality.

a pilot holding a license

Expands the phrase to explicitly state the action of holding a license, adding slight emphasis.

endorsed aircraft pilot

Employs "endorsed" in place of "licensed" to highlight the approval aspect of pilot certification.

certified aircraft commander

Uses "aircraft commander" instead of "pilot", implying greater responsibility; "certified" replaces "licensed".

a pilot with credentials

Rephrases to focus on the possession of credentials rather than directly licensing status, slightly changing the emphasis.

registered flyer

Employs "registered" instead of "licensed", and "flyer" for "pilot", a less formal but related term.

FAQs

How is "a licensed pilot" different from a student pilot?

"A licensed pilot" has met the requirements to fly an aircraft independently, whereas a student pilot is still in training and requires supervision. A "student pilot" may only fly under specific conditions with an instructor.

What are some synonyms for "a licensed pilot"?

You can use phrases like "certified pilot", "qualified pilot", or "accredited pilot" as synonyms for "a licensed pilot", depending on the context.

What qualifications does "a licensed pilot" typically have?

"A licensed pilot" typically has completed a minimum number of flight hours, passed written and practical exams, and demonstrated proficiency in aircraft operation. Specific qualifications vary by license type, such as private, commercial, or airline transport pilot.

In what contexts is it important to specify someone is "a licensed pilot"?

It's important to specify someone is "a licensed pilot" when discussing aviation safety, legal responsibilities, or professional qualifications. This ensures clarity and highlights the pilot's adherence to regulatory standards, especially when discussing topics where non-licensed individuals might pose risks.