"Gary Drescher" wrote in message
. ..
"Anno v. Heimburg" wrote in message
...

Help out a non-native english speaker here, but that question seems to
imply
that "hobby pilot" is somehow an insult. To me, "recreational activity
in
which I regularly engage" is just a verbose way of saying "hobby",
so "hobby pilot" and "recreational pilot" are synonymous. (I would even
argue that "hobby" implies a certain frequency, while "recreational"
just
means a one-off thing). Certainly, "hobby" to me has no negative
connotations.

The literal meaning of 'hobby' is just as you say, and is not disparaging.
However, words such as 'hobbyist' or 'amateur' are sometimes used to
suggest
a superficial level of competence, in contrast with the presumed expertise
of a 'professional'. People may become defensive about that connotation.

--Gary

Here is my definition

Professional Pilot - Gets paid for flying. Salary + Equipment provided.

Pilot - May or may not get paid for flying (usually has to bear all the
expenses himself -herself).

Level of competence doesn't play a part. However if someone was paying for
my training and expenses and providing the aircraft I would fly 1000+
hours/year and my level of proficiency would be higher than it is now

Howard C182P