What is pilot? What is pilot? One who operates or is licensed to operate an aircraft in flight.Nautical One who, though not belonging to a ship's company, is licensed to conduct a ship into and out of port or through dangerous waters.Nautical The helmsman of a ship. One who guides or directs a course of action for others.The part of a tool, device, or machine that leads or guides the whole.A pilot light, as in a stove.A television program produced as a prototype of a series being considered for adoption by a network.To serve as the pilot of.To steer or control the course of. See Synonyms at guide.Serving as a tentative model for future experiment or development: a pilot project. Serving or leading as guide.