pilot

/ˈpaɪlət/
adjective
  1. Done as a test or trial on a small scale before being introduced more widely.
    • They launched a pilot study to test the new teaching method.
    • The pilot project will run for six months in three cities.
    • We are looking for volunteers for the pilot program.
  2. Used to control or operate a machine or device.
    • He adjusted the pilot valve to regulate the flow of gas.
    • The pilot light on the water heater went out, so there was no hot water.
    • The pilot switch controls the main power to the system.
verb
  1. To operate an aircraft or spacecraft.
    • She piloted the helicopter over the mountains to rescue the hikers.
    • He learned to pilot a small plane when he was sixteen.
    • The astronaut will pilot the spacecraft to the space station.
  2. To steer or guide a ship or boat.
    • The captain piloted the ship through the icy waters.
    • It takes skill to pilot a large vessel in a crowded port.
    • They piloted the sailboat into the calm harbor.
  3. To test or try out a new idea, product, or program on a small scale.
    • We plan to pilot the software with a few volunteer companies.
    • The company piloted the recycling program in three offices before expanding it.
    • The school will pilot a new math curriculum next semester.
  4. To guide or lead someone or something through a process or situation.
    • The manager piloted the department through a major reorganization.
    • He piloted the bill through the legislature successfully.
    • She piloted the team through the difficult negotiations.
noun
  1. A person who operates an aircraft.
    • The pilot announced that we would be landing in twenty minutes.
    • The pilot skillfully navigated the plane through the storm.
    • She trained for years to become a commercial airline pilot.
  2. A person who steers a ship, especially through difficult waters.
    • The harbor pilot guided the large cargo ship into the port.
    • The pilot shouted orders to the crew as they approached the narrow channel.
    • A river pilot must know every sandbar and current.
  3. A test episode or program used to see if a TV series will be successful.
    • The pilot episode introduced all the main characters.
    • The network loved the pilot and ordered a full season of the show.
    • They filmed the pilot in just three days.
  4. A person who leads or guides something, such as a project or organization.
    • The project pilot coordinated the efforts of all the volunteers.
    • He was chosen as the pilot for the company's expansion into Asia.
    • She served as the pilot for the new community outreach program.
Antonyms
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