abgd
"If they were trying, futilely, to hide the fact that he is a pilot - it wouldn't make sense to apply for an FAA license which is held on a searchable database."
The deceit couldn't be applied if he wasn't an licensed pilot, [ATPL] could it.
Generally, as FL will attest, these types of characters never believe that they will get caught. Remarkably, as we have seen here, innocence to the 'solo'/'alone' is still being proclaimed despite the damning evidence.
To EG credit, he has told the journalist the truth in relation to him being aboard as licensed pilot.
"The only reasons I can see for him to hold an FAA license are legitimate ones."
Quite probable. I have not seen enough evidence here to suggest that he was a conspirator. Sometimes, it's not just about what is said, what is not said can also play a very equal part.