The Most Famous Pilot, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the pilot you think is the most famous!

Updated on May 1, 2024 07:13

In the skies of history, many pilots have steered through adversity, their feats elevating them to legendary status. Each has a unique story of courage, skill, and innovation that has inspired countless enthusiasts and professionals in aviation. Highlighting such iconic figures not only celebrates their achievements but also educates and motivates aspiring aviators. By casting your vote for the most famous pilot, you contribute to a dynamic tally that keeps historical memory alive and buzzing. This interactive process allows for a collective determination of who most resonates with today’s audiences, providing an engaging way to connect with the past while influencing the present perception of aviation heroes.

Who Is the Most Famous Pilot?

1

68
votes
Underwood & Underwood (active 1880 – c. 1950)[1] · Public domain

Amelia Earhart

Amelia Earhart is the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean and a pioneer in women's rights.
Amelia Earhart in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous female aviator
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous missing person
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous person born in Kansas
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous adventurer
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous alumnus from Columbia University
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous tomboy
2

6
votes
Harris & Ewing · Public domain

Charles Lindbergh

Charles Lindbergh is the first person to complete a solo nonstop flight across the Atlantic Ocean.
Charles Lindbergh in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous helicopter pilot
3

20
votes
Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain

Neil Armstrong

Neil Armstrong - the astronaut and pilot who was the first person to walk on the moon.
Neil Armstrong in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Boy Scout
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Aeronautical Engineer
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous NASA scientist
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous pioneer
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Scout
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous person from Cincinnati
4

21
votes
U.S. Senate Historical Office · Public domain

John Glenn

John Glenn - the astronaut and pilot who was the first American to orbit the Earth.
John Glenn in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Marine
5

10
votes
Chuck Yeager

Chuck Yeager - the pilot who broke the sound barrier and set many other aviation records.
Chuck Yeager in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Air Force pilot
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Yeager in the Soty family
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous person from West Virginia
6

14
votes
Don Ramey Logan · CC BY-SA 3.0

Bob Hoover

Bob Hoover - an air show pilot and World War II fighter pilot who is considered one of the greatest aviators of all time.
Bob Hoover in other rankings
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous helicopter pilot
7

11
votes
National Air and Space Museum · Public domain

Bessie Coleman

Bessie Coleman is the first African American woman to earn a pilot's license and a trailblazer for women and people of color in aviation.
Bessie Coleman in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous female aviator
8

7
votes
Acme Newspictures · Public domain

Howard Hughes

Howard Hughes is a billionaire businessman, film director, and aviation enthusiast who set many aviation records and designed and built innovative aircraft.
Howard Hughes in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Recluse
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous Aeronautical Engineer
9

3
votes
Unknown authorUnknown author or not provided · Public domain

Eddie Rickenbacker

Eddie Rickenbacker is a World War I flying ace and race car driver who went on to become one of the most successful airline executives in history.
Eddie Rickenbacker in other rankings
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous Air Force pilot
10

9
votes

United States Department of State · Public domain

Sully Sullenberger

Sully Sullenberger - the pilot who successfully landed US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River in 2009, saving all 155 passengers and crew.

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Ranking factors for famous pilot

Accomplishments

The pilot's notable achievements and contributions to the aviation industry, such as breaking records, pioneering new techniques, or having a significant impact on aviation history.
Skill and Expertise

Assessing the pilot's level of skill, technical competence, and overall proficiency in flying different types of aircraft.
Influence and Legacy

The pilot's influence on future generations of aviators, whether through mentoring, inspiring others, or shaping aviation policies and regulations.
Popularity and Recognition

The pilot's public visibility, media presence, and widespread recognition among both aviation enthusiasts and the general public.
Endorsements and Awards

The endorsements the pilot has received from reputable aviation organizations, as well as any awards or honors they have earned throughout their career.
Overall Contribution to Aviation

Evaluating the pilot's overall impact on the advancement and promotion of aviation as a whole, including efforts in aviation safety, education, and promoting the industry's growth.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous pilot. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or pilot is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1388 views
168 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each pilot once every 24 hours. The rank of each pilot is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous pilot

The history of aviation is filled with legendary pilots who have achieved worldwide fame and recognition for their daring feats and accomplishments. From the Wright Brothers, who pioneered modern aviation, to Charles Lindbergh, who made the first solo transatlantic flight, the world has witnessed countless pilots who have left an indelible mark on the field of aviation. However, when it comes to the most famous pilot, there are a few names that stand out above the rest. One of the most iconic pilots of all time is none other than Amelia Earhart, who made history as the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Her bravery and determination continue to inspire generations of pilots and aviation enthusiasts. Another name that often comes up in discussions about the most famous pilot is Chuck Yeager, who became the first person to break the sound barrier in 1947. His incredible feat marked a major milestone in aviation history and solidified his status as a true pioneer in the field. Other notable pilots who have achieved worldwide fame include Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the moon, and Howard Hughes, who set numerous aviation records and founded a major aerospace company. With so many legendary pilots to choose from, it's no wonder that the question of who is the most famous pilot remains a topic of endless debate and discussion. Regardless of the answer, there is no denying the incredible contributions that these pilots have made to the world of aviation and the lasting legacy they have left behind.