Hi. I am new to this forum and this is my first post. I hope its in the right place! I had this question in mind for sometime now, finally I decided to post here. Whenever a person acquires a degree in a particular discipline, say Geology, that person becomes a Geologist and so forth. A degree remains valid for a lifetime. Whereas a Pilot's licence is concerned, there is a validity to it (I think FAA CPL/ATPL are without expiry) but mostly all over the world you have to renew it each year to keep it valid. Say, after a pilot retires or he just doesn't renew is licence. Will he still be called a 'Pilot' without a valid licence? Just curious regarding this! Cheers Resident Insomniac.

Most licences are issued in perpetuity, it is the medical which expires and needs to be renewed. Once a pilot, always a pilot.

it is the medical which expires and needs to be renewed

Along with some ratings or endorsements attached to said licence which may need some renewal but the licence itself usually remains in force in perpetuity in most states.