Took the steering wheel

• Did a conn job
• Took command in the cockpit
• Took the helm of
• Flew, as a plane
• Guided
• Flew a plane
• Was in command in the cockpit

Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary Word definitions in Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
1945, past participle adjective from pilot (v.).

Wiktionary Word definitions in Wiktionary
vb. (en-past of: pilot )

The Collaborative International Dictionary Word definitions in The Collaborative International Dictionary
Pilot \Pi"lot\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Piloted ; p. pr. & vb. n. Piloting .] [Cf. F. piloter.] To direct the course of, as of a ship, where navigation is dangerous. Figuratively: To guide, as through dangers or difficulties. ``The art of piloting a state.'' ...