Aviator (common usage term: pilot, regulatory usage term: airman) is a person qualified in the operation of aircraft, whether for pleasure or as a professionoun The word is normally applied to certified aircraft pilots and flight instructors, but it is also applied in its popular form to any person pursuing flight activities. The word aviatrix was used to refer to female aviators, reflecting the word's Latin root, but is now seldom used, even as a gender-specific term. An airman is the holder of an airman certificate issued by an Aviation administrative or regulatory authority.