What is the role of a rally pilot in off-roading?

Too often underestimated, but extremely necessary in modern motorsport. Rally pilots, just like drivers, determine the success of a rally. What are their tasks?

The success of the rally largely depends on it. A rally pilot in an off-road rally has a lot of tasks, and his role is very responsible. He insures the driver and guides him along the route. But that’s not all. Get to know all the tasks of a car pilot!

Article in cooperation with the automotive portal vwzone.pl

Who is an off-road rally pilot?

Above all, the safety of the driver depends on the car pilot. It must be a responsible, experienced person who knows basic driving techniques, especially off-road. Of course, the pilot is also required to have excellent knowledge of the route on which the crew is to travel. However, in off-road the role of the pilot-navigator is already somewhat less – it is replaced by advanced navigation equipment.

However, the off-road pilot is an indispensable companion of any off-road expedition, even an amateur one. On the route there may be difficult situations in which the assistance of another person will be required.The pilot in the tourist off-road, therefore, provides, first of all, safety.

The rally pilot operates the equipment and supports a colleague

A rally pilot who participates in off-road competitions must be able to handle the crossing equipment. The most important thing is the ability to operate the winch. If you have a winch operated wirelessly, it is a good idea to put the power over it in the hands of the pilot. From the outside, he will be able to better judge whether the car is moving on the right track. The pilot must be able to keep a cool head and know the safety rules in the use of this equipment.

A rally pilot can also act as a scout. In rough terrain, we don’t know what obstacles we might encounter. Then the pilot can remove branches and large stones from the route.

Good cooperation is most important!

During a typical rally, the pilot must effectively navigate his driver. He also suggests to him what off-road technique is best to use – he is simply the brain of the whole expedition. The same is true for amateur expeditions, for which it is always a good idea to take a pilot. Remember, however, that you must first develop your own sign system.

After all, in an off-road car it is loud enough that no one will shout to each other. Therefore, I encourage you to spend several minutes to learn the code that will apply during the rally. A driver who sees, for example, a clenched fist should automatically execute the given maneuver.

Gestures work particularly well when using a winch. The pilot, standing outside the car, has to give signs to the driver, and based on these signs the driver immediately knows how to maneuver the car. If you are not short of funds, you can also invest in walkie-talkies.

Remember – cooperation is the most important thing. In the field, you must count on each other, and joint trips are sure to strengthen the friendship between pilot and driver very quickly.