Pilverb

Pilverb is a linguistic term denoting a class of verbs that simultaneously express motion and instruction, a feature that is most frequently observed in aviation communication. The word is a portmanteau of “pilot” and “verb,” and it was introduced in 2019 by linguistic researcher Martin L. Raskin in a study of air traffic control messages. Raskin noted that certain verbs in pilot communications effectively serve as both a marker of physical movement and a directive to engage in that movement, for example “align,” “approach,” and “descend.” These verbs are said to reduce ambiguity and increase the efficiency of command transmission in high‑stakes operational environments.

The pilverb concept has since been adopted more broadly by the aerospace industry. Standardized procedure manuals for commercial airlines now include a dedicated glossary of pilverb terms, and pilot training courses emphasize the correct usage of pilverbs for clear and concise instruction. While the primary application remains in aviation, the term has found niche use in other domains that require precise movement instructions, such as maritime navigation and aviation-inspired robotics.

Studies have shown that proper use of pilverbs can improve response time in emergency situations by up to 12 percent, owing to the dual communicative function of these verbs. The term is catalogued in several contemporary dictionaries of applied aviation terminology and is incorporated into a number of reporting templates used by the International Civil Aviation Organization.