standing pilot

[/ˈstændɪŋ ˈpaɪlət/]
nounpl: standing pilots
queimador piloto permanente
1. A small flame that burns continuously in a gas appliance (such as a furnace, water heater, or stove) to ignite the main burner when needed
The standing pilot light in the water heater keeps the burner ready to ignite at any time.
O queimador piloto permanente no aquecedor de água mantém o queimador pronto para acender a qualquer momento.
2. In aviation, a pilot who is always on duty or available for immediate deployment
The standing pilot waited at the airfield for emergency calls.
O piloto de prontidão aguardava no aeródromo por chamadas de emergência.
The term 'standing pilot' is more prevalent in older appliance terminology and technical documentation. In modern usage, especially in Brazil and the United States, 'pilot light' has become the preferred term. This distinction is important for homeowners dealing with furnaces, water heaters, and gas stoves, as understanding how to relight a standing pilot is a common maintenance skill.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
pilot lightpilot flamestanding flame

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
queimador piloto permanente
Standard term used throughout Brazil for the continuous pilot light in appliances
General Brazilian
chama piloto
Alternative, more colloquial term commonly used
Portugal
chama piloto permanente
Portuguese European equivalent with similar structure
Technical English
pilot light
More commonly used in modern English instead of 'standing pilot'

Related Words

ignitionburnergas appliancethermostatfurnacewater heater

Related Idioms & Phrases

keep the pilot light burning
relight the standing pilot
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