There are also many series whose pilot episodes are titled `` Pilot '' . At the time of its inception , the pilot is meant to be the `` testing ground '' to see if a series will be possibly desired and successful and therefore a test episode of an intended television series . It is an early step in the development of a television series , much like pilot lights or pilot studies serve as precursors to the start of larger activity , or pilot holes prepare the way for larger holes .