Dictionary definition of “armchair pilot”

armchair pilot

n. a person who talks about, studies, or directs airplane flying, but is not qualified to, or does not, handle the controls; an aviation enthusiast. Subjects: English, Aviation, Military

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Citations: 1934 New York Times (Oct. 7) “Army to Weed Out ‘Armchair’ Pilots” (in Washington, D.C.) p. 9: The United States Army is gong to weed out its “swivel chair” airplane pilots by making all air corps officers with fifteen or more years’ service take tests to determine their flying ability. 1936 Clearfield Progress (Pa.) (Aug. 10) (in advert. for Chesterfield cigarettes) p. 2: One sure way to tell the real thing from an arm-chair pilot…put the stick in his hand and give him a job to do. 1938-39 Individual aviators @ N.Y. Lexicon of Trade Jargon “Aero-Manufacturing and Aviation Slang and Jargon” p. 1: Armchair pilot. One who talks a good flight while on the ground. 1943 Chicago Daily Tribune (July 11) “Son’s Airplane Club Makes His Mother Expert” p. NW8: Mrs. Lilly’s son, George, and nine of his pals organized an aeronautical club.…These young armchair pilots have taken their club work seriously. 1946 William L. Laurence @ Aboard U.S.S. Shangri-La, San Diego, Calif. New York Times (May 10) “Bikini Rehearsal Staged By Robots” p. 8: Lieut. Comdr. Winfield G. Maurer, USN, was the armchair pilot who took the four drones off the deck of this carrier. 1948 [176-10-6146] The Era (Bradford, Pa.) (July 21) “Sand Pumpings” p. 14: One of the most popular radio shows locally is WESB’s “Midnight Clipper.”…Former U.S.A.A.F. hotpilot George Ward does the disc-jockey work, and sends an armchair pilot’s “license” to all the fans who request one. 1986 Rex Redifer Gettysburg Times (Pa.) (Feb. 10) “Aviation enthusiast collects memorabilia” p. 14: Block is strictly an “armchair pilot.” The flights are all in his mind, and probably more vivid than if he had actually experienced them.

Posted 31 May 05 | Permalink | Tell a Friend