What is an "aviator"?

[380]

When are you an aviator? Is an aviator an airline pilot, a commercial or is a ppl engough to be an aviator? For me personally this word has a wide open meaning. I think an aviator is someone who has any other feedlngs than bad ones when he sees a plane in the sky. Doesn't matter if he has a licence or is just an enthusiast. But as English is not my native language it could be that you have a different understanding of that word.
So what's an aviator for you?

[EddyCurrents]

A good aviator is an airman possesing superior flying skills matched with the judgement to prevent him/her placing his/her aircraft in a situation that requires the superior skills to save the aircraft.

[EGDR]

An aviator is any ****er who flies be it one of god's gift i.e. an RN OBSERVER(pinger of course, no bagmen need apply) or nav or even pilot.

[ 13 October 2001: Message edited by: EGDR ]