Pilots, also called captains, and co-pilots are essential for safe and timely air travel. Both pilots and co-pilots can help fly an airplane, and they typically have very similar responsibilities.

While "pilot" is the standard term, those who operate aircraft are referred to by various titles depending on their rank, their specific role, or the type of aviation they are involved in. In a commercial cockpit, the lead pilot is the Captain, who has ultimate legal responsibility for the aircraft, while the second pilot is the First Officer (or co-pilot). In some long-haul crews, you may also have a Second Officer or Relief Pilot. From a regulatory perspective, the FAA and other bodies often use the formal term Aviator or Airman. In the military, pilots are frequently called Naval Aviators (in the Navy and Marine Corps) or simply Officers. In historical or more romantic contexts, the term Aeronaut was used, particularly for balloonists. In the world of slang and casual aviation talk, pilots are sometimes jokingly called Bus Drivers (referring to commercial pilots) or Stick-and-Rudder Men (referring to those who fly manual, vintage aircraft). Additionally, those who fly unmanned aircraft are referred to as Remote Pilots or Drone Operators. Each title carries a slightly different connotation regarding the level of skill, the authority held, and the specific environment in which the pilot operates their craft.