Pilot (V)

In aviation, to "pilot" (verb) means to operate the flight controls of an aircraft. This encompasses the responsibility for maneuvering the aircraft safely and efficiently from its point of origin to its destination, adhering to established flight plans and air traffic control instructions. Piloting involves a complex interplay of skills, including navigation, communication, decision-making, and the application of aeronautical knowledge.

The act of piloting includes monitoring aircraft systems, adjusting power settings, controlling the aircraft's attitude and altitude, and responding to changing weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. A pilot must maintain situational awareness and make timely and appropriate decisions to ensure the safety of the aircraft, its passengers (if any), and the surrounding airspace.

The term "piloting" is also sometimes used metaphorically to describe the act of guiding or directing a project or initiative, drawing a parallel to the responsibility and control involved in flying an aircraft.