As of late 2024, there are over 848,000 total airman certificates in the U.S. when including students, with about 503,275 certificated pilots in categories like recreational, sport, private, commercial, and transport. A more specific breakdown from late 2024 shows around 503,275 certificated pilots (excluding students), 138,127 flight instructors, and 427,598 remote pilot certificate holders.
Number of certificated pilots (excluding students)
Total: 503,275
Airline transport: 179,194
Commercial: 109,727
Private: 172,012
Other pilot-related certificates
Flight instructors: 138,127
Instrument ratings: 342,400
Remote pilots: 427,598 (note: these are not included in the total pilot count)
Students: 345,495 (note: these are included in the 848,770 total airman certificates, but not the 503,275 certificated pilots)
Military pilots
The U.S. Armed Forces have approximately 37,000 pilots across the Air Force, Navy, Marines, and Army.
