What Do Pilots Call Non-Pilots?

Ever wondered what pilots refer to non-pilots as? In the world of aviation, pilots have developed a unique set of slang terms to describe the people they work with, fly with, and sometimes, those who are not part of their industry. Here, we explore the various terms used by pilots and why they choose specific names for non-pilots.

General Terminology for Non-Pilots in Aviation

In the aviation world, the general term for non-pilots is simply referred to as 'non-pilots.' However, pilots have adopted a few slang terms to make the conversation more colorful and contextually relevant. These terms often reflect the unique challenges and roles of non-pilots in the aviation industry.

Specific Examples of Pilots' Slang for Non-Pilots

Pilots, especially those with a flight-background, often use inventive and humorous terms to describe non-pilots. These terms vary from one region to another and can be found even among different airlines and aircraft types. Here are some examples of the slang used by pilots:

Penguins

One of the most recurring terms among pilots is the nickname "penguins." This term is used because penguins are flightless birds, much like non-pilots who cannot fly. This term is widely used and can be heard in various aviation circles.

"Some pilots call non-pilots 'penguins' because like penguins, they are flightless birds."

Muggles

A less common term for non-pilots is "muggles," a term derived from the Harry Potter series. In the story, muggles are ordinary people who are unaware of the magical world. This term is used by pilots in a similar context to describe non-pilots who are not familiar with the aviation world.

Passengers, how about 'muggles'? No wait, I know… "grounded."

Grounded

This term is used to describe non-pilots in a more literal sense. "Grounded" suggests that non-pilots are restricted to the ground and cannot fly, much like how a non-pilot cannot operate an aircraft.

Personal Experiences and Conversations

A personal experience shared by a commercial pilot highlights the practical use of these terms. One of the author's friends, a commercial pilot, specifically used the term "grounded" in a conversation. During a charter flight, he called out the number of passengers to Air Traffic Control, stating, "two of us and nine of them."

'"To be fair, he’d been a war-time ground attack captain in the South African Air Force too, and his politics were to the right of Attila the Hun," adds the author, sharing some context behind this pilot's background.'

How Pilots Don't Typically Distinguish Between Non-Pilots

While pilots might use different slang terms for non-pilots, they generally do not have a specific term when they are flying with them. Pilots usually refer to passengers as 'passengers' or 'customers,' without any specific slang. Similarly, they refer to their fellow pilots as 'pilots.'

'"We don’t call them anything. We refer to other pilots as pilots but we don't have a term for 'non-pilots.' I can’t think of many conversation topics where we specifically have to find a word for people who don’t fly aircraft."

Conclusion

The world of aviation, much like any specialized industry, has its own set of terminology and slang. Understanding these terms can help one better appreciate the nuances of the aviation world and perhaps add a few quirky aviation terms to one's lexicon.