pilot

A person who steers a ship, a helmsman.

They scud before the wind, and sail in open sea. Ahead of all the master pilot steers; And, as he leads, the following navy veers.

A person who knows well the depths, shoals, and currents of a harbor or coastal area, who is hired by a vessel to help navigate the harbor or coast.

A guide book for maritime navigation.

An instrument for detecting the compass error.

A pilot vehicle.

Made or used as a test or demonstration of capability.

a pilot run of the new factory

The pilot plant showed the need for major process changes.

Used to control or activate another device.

a pilot light

Being a vehicle to warn other road users of the presence of an oversize vehicle or combination.

a pilot vehicle

To control (an aircraft or watercraft).

I have visited more than half a dozen carrier training facilities, spent over 150 hours on jumpseats, piloted a Lockheed 1011 from MIA to LAX, visited numerous towers, rapcons, and centers, and discussed our commercial Air Transport System with everyone involved.

To guide (a vessel) through coastal waters.

To test or have a preliminary trial of (an idea, a new product, television show, etc.)

To serve as the leading locomotive on a double-headed train.

One of the Midland Lines' Birmingham R.C.W. Type 2 diesels, No. D5403, made the debut of its class in the Manchester area on July 28 when it appeared in the early hours on freight; after four days in the area it left for the south piloting B.R./Sulzer Type 4 diesel No. D88 on the 2.25 Manchester Central-St. Pancras.

To guide or conduct (a person) somewhere.

Thus it came about that, three days later, I descended from the train at Styles St. Mary, an absurd little station, with no apparent reason for existence, perched up in the midst of green fields and country lanes. John Cavendish was waiting on the platform, and piloted me out to the car.