pilot pilot /ˈpaɪlət/

noun

1. () Someone who is licensed to operate an aircraft in flight  ( airplane pilot [ N. American] , aeroplane pilot [British] , pilot )
   someone who is licensed to operate an aircraft in flight
    The pilot announced that we had reached our cruising altitude
   The pilot announced that we had reached our cruising altitude
   
   
2. [ N. American] An inclined metal frame at the front of a locomotive to clear the track  ( buffer , cowcatcher [ N. American] , fender , pilot [ N. American] )
   an inclined metal frame at the front of a locomotive to clear the track
   
   
3. Small auxiliary gas burner that provides a flame to ignite a larger gas burner  ( pilot , pilot burner , pilot light )
   small auxiliary gas burner that provides a flame to ignite a larger gas burner
   
   
4. Something that serves as a model or a basis for making copies  ( archetype , pilot , original )
   something that serves as a model or a basis for making copies
    This painting is a copy of the original
   this painting is a copy of the original
   
5. A program exemplifying a contemplated series; intended to attract sponsors  ( pilot , pilot film , pilot program )
   a program exemplifying a contemplated series; intended to attract sponsors
   
6. A person qualified to guide ships through difficult waters going into or out of a harbor  ( pilot )
   a person qualified to guide ships through difficult waters going into or out of a harbor
    The pilot expertly navigated the ship through the treacherous channel.
   The pilot expertly navigated the ship through the treacherous channel.
   
   

verb

1. () Act as the navigator in a car, plane, or vessel and plan, direct, plot the path and position of the conveyance  ( navigate , pilot )
   act as the navigator in a car, plane, or vessel and plan, direct, plot the path and position of the conveyance
    Is anyone volunteering to navigate during the trip?
   Is anyone volunteering to navigate during the trip?
    Who was navigating the ship during the accident?
   Who was navigating the ship during the accident?
   
2. () Operate an airplane  ( aviate , pilot , fly )
   operate an airplane
    The pilot flew to Cuba
   The pilot flew to Cuba