Why would schools consider partnering with a vendor to operate a pilot? Why not just wait until the final product is released? For starters, pilots provide schools with a golden opportunity to get an early look at the software, take it for a test flight, and ask for changes tailored to their operating environment and business needs. In some cases, too, there is a financial benefit, including free or discounted software, assistance in installation, or credit applied to an annual contract. To ensure a smooth flight, this article offers six tips for schools embarking on pilot projects.