What does the term "pilotage" refer to in aviation?

Pilotage refers to the navigation of an aircraft using visual references to the ground. This method relies on the pilot's ability to identify landmarks, terrain features, and other visual cues from the cockpit to determine the aircraft's position and course. Unlike other navigation methods that depend on instruments or technical aids, pilotage emphasizes real-time observation of the environment, which is particularly useful when flying at lower altitudes, such as during visual flight rules (VFR) conditions. This approach allows pilots to maintain situational awareness and make informed decisions based on what they can see outside the aircraft.