Common Noun:
* When "pilot" refers to the occupation in general, it is a common noun.
* Example: "He wants to be a pilot when he grows up."
Proper Noun:
* When "pilot" is used as part of a specific person's name or title, it becomes a proper noun.
* Example: "Captain Amelia Earhart was a famous pilot."
* Example: "Pilot Smith, please report to the cockpit."
To determine if "pilot" is a proper noun, ask yourself if it's part of a specific name. If it's not, it's likely a common noun.