Aeronaut
/ˈerənɔːt/
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Historical Term
Aeronaut is an old-fashioned term, less common since modern aviation advances. 
My great-grandfather was an aeronaut who flew in one of the earliest dirigibles.
Pro Tip 2/3Adventure Connotation
'Aeronaut' often implies adventure and exploration in flight history context. 
The story celebrated the aeronauts who first charted the skies in their balloons.
Pro Tip 3/3Airship Specific
Mostly associated with balloon and airship pilots, not modern aircraft pilots. 
The museum exhibit on early flight featured a section on pioneering aeronauts.