Pilot

person controlling an aircraft in flight

A pilot is a person that drives a transport vehicle such as an airplane, spacecraft, or boat. All types of pilots must pass tests and obtain a license before they can operate the vehicle.

Piloting a Space Shuttle.

An aircraft pilot is usually in charge of a flying machine for the whole trip. Some larger aircraft have both a pilot and a co-pilot so one can rest while the other works or both can work at busy times such as take-off and landing. Drone pilots usually stay on the ground and operate the machine by radio control. Sometimes one pilot handles several drones at the same time.

Maritime or ship pilots usually only guide the ship through an especially difficult place such as a harbor which they have carefully studied. They are usually aboard only during this passage.