What is Pilotage in aviation?

Pilotage refers to the process of navigating by using visual references and maps. This method relies on the pilot's ability to identify geographical landmarks, such as roads, rivers, towns, or other prominent features, to determine their position and direction while flying. It is a fundamental skill in aviation, especially for pilots flying under visual flight rules (VFR), who must maintain situational awareness and ensure they are on the correct flight path by observing the terrain and landmarks around them.

Using maps is essential in pilotage, as pilots reference sectional charts and other navigational aids to verify their location against visual cues. This method contrasts with instrument navigation, which involves relying on cockpit instruments to guide the aircraft, and GPS navigation, which uses satellite technology to provide positional information. Additionally, while flying solely based on compass directions is a navigational technique, it lacks the visual confirmation and context provided by pilotage, making it less reliable when navigating through varied terrain.