Profession based on the validity of licence?
 

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.

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.