The countersink pilot is designed to serve what main purpose?

The primary purpose of a countersink pilot is to keep the countersink tool accurately centered in the drilled hole. When a countersink tool is used, particularly on a material that might have varying thicknesses or when precision is necessary, the pilot helps guide the tool so that the countersinking operation creates a uniform and consistent angle around the hole. This precision ensures that the fasteners can sit flush against the surface, avoiding any raised areas that could weaken the assembly or create aerodynamic drag.

In aerospace applications, where safety and performance are critical, maintaining accuracy in the assembly process is paramount. Therefore, having the pilot provide stability during countersinking is essential in achieving the desired fit and finish for the components being assembled.