Concept in Definition ABC

A pilot is the person who drives those motor vehicles oriented to sports activity, especially motorcycling and motor racing in its different modalities. Likewise, the term pilot is also applied to whoever operates a airplane passenger, military or a plane intended for air shows.

In this way, whoever drives a vehicle is a driver, but if we talk about a racing vehicle or an aviator, he becomes a pilot.

The idea of ​​a pilot is associated with the skill that is necessary for the operation of certain motor vehicles. Keep in mind that driving involves a attitude active and knowledge and skills that are not easy to acquire.

Evolution of the pilot concept

Although the term in question has a precise meaning, the concept of pilot has evolved historically. When the first prototypes of motor racing appeared, the drivers were adventurers who began in this activity as pioneers. In a few years, the profession of pilot became an activity of high risk and we must remember that great motor sportsmen have died as a result of accidents.

If we place ourselves in the world of aeronautics, the first to fly small planes were authentic national heroes who have become historical figures in aviation (the case of Charles Lindberg or the pilots of World War l are examples from figures legendary).

The evolution and the development of airplanes has made the commercial aviation pilot lose prominence and for decades airplanes have used autopilot systems.

Qualities of a pilot

In any of its modalities, a pilot must have special qualities. On the one hand, a considerable coolness to face risks and dangerous and unpredictable situations. Likewise, good physical preparation, good reflexes and a correct adaptation to the machine are necessary. In fact, one could even speak of the pilot-machine binomial, since both are necessarily united (a great machine if the one who uses it does not have the necessary skills and, conversely, a great pilot can do little without a machine with the technology and the benefits adequate).

Other senses of the word

In the housing sector, the concept of a show flat is used, which is that flat that is part of a complex or urbanization and that is used to teach potential clients. There are also pilot tests, which are those preliminary tests that are carried out before a product goes on the market.

Photo: iStock - Nicolas McComber