What does pilotage involve?

Pilotage is the art of navigating by visual reference to landmarks on the ground, which is essential for visual flight operations. This technique involves looking for recognizable features such as rivers, roads, buildings, and other distinguishing characteristics that can be identified both on the aeronautical chart and on the ground while flying.

By matching these physical landmarks with those plotted on navigation charts, pilots can confirm their current position and route. This method is particularly useful when flying at lower altitudes, where visibility allows pilots to discern specific ground features, making it easier to navigate without solely relying on instruments.

Other options, while they relate to navigation and flying, do not accurately define pilotage. Using instruments to navigate refers to instrument flying, which is primarily concerned with flying solely by reference to instruments in the cockpit, often in conditions of reduced visibility. Calculating fuel needs relates to flight planning but does not directly pertain to navigating using visual methods. Flying by autopilot involves the use of automated systems to control the aircraft's flight path, which is a separate aspect of operating an aircraft as it does not rely on visual cues from the environment.