Who was the first US president to earn a pilot's license?

President Dwight D. Eisenhower was also the first president to hold a pilot license, earning it while in the military. According to Famous First Facts, Eisenhower's pilots license was issued on 11/30/39. Also, both George Bushes earned a pilots license; they became pilots prior to taking office.

Regarding Eisenhower and flying, it was stated that the most memorable aspect of Eisenhower's Philippines assignment (1935-1939) was the times when he could escape the daily tribulations of home and work for the exhilarating freedom of flying.

Eisenhower would later say that the first time he actually flew an airplane was an experience like fledgling at fifty. He stated that he felt shear panic and paralyzed. But, he had to perform at least adequately for his instructor and friend, Bill Lee. So, in the end, he learned to fly and didn't crash the plane.