Definition
A small indicator lamp on an instrument panel or annunciator that signals the status of a system, circuit, or component — typically showing whether something is on, off, armed, or operating.
Plain English
A small light on the panel that tells the pilot whether something is turned on or working.
Context Anchor
Seen on cockpit panels, electrical panels, and equipment controls where a light is used to show system status.
Derivation
From 'pilot' meaning 'to guide' and 'light' meaning a lamp — together, a small lamp that guides the operator by showing system status. The same term is used for the small flame in a gas appliance, but in aviation it refers to an electric indicator lamp.
Why Pilots Care
Provides immediate visual feedback on system states, reducing the need to interpret complex readings during flight.
Intuition Check
Do not confuse this with the small flame called a pilot light on a gas appliance. In aircraft use, a pilot light is an electrical indicator light, not a flame.
Example Sentence 1
The pilot light for the fuel boost pump came on as soon as the switch was selected.
Example Sentence 2
During preflight, the mechanic checked that all pilot lights on the annunciator panel were functioning correctly.