# piloting

/ˈpaɪɫətɪŋ/ (US) · /pˈaɪlətɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/piloting
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

the act of flying an aircraft or steering a ship. It can also mean testing a new idea or project on a small scale before starting it fully.

For teachers: the activity of operating an aircraft or vessel; also refers to the testing of a program or system on a small scale prior to full implementation.

## Examples

- He is studying hard to improve his piloting skills.
- The school district is piloting a new digital curriculum in three classrooms before buying it for every grade.
- Advanced automation has significantly altered the nature of commercial piloting, shifting the crew's primary role from manual control to the high-level monitoring of complex flight management systems.

## Usage notes

- Often used as a gerund to describe the professional practice of aviation or maritime navigation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.