The pilot runs 20 to 30 metres, loads first and must steer at once. What study, rules and literature say and why you never practise without a coach.
The pilot has the double job in the bob: first push along, then load first and steer at once. The honest answer to "How fast must that happen?": fast enough that the bob does not leave its line, yet calm enough that you do not lose the steering feel. It is a moment you learn only with a coach and a track.
The first study of the two-man bob start describes the pilot's role like this: he runs a distance of 20 to 30 metres and is usually the first to get into the sled. Entry is by a jump from the left side of the sled [3]. The pilots touch the side push bar first and push in a half squat with marching steps; their contribution to overcoming inertia is small, the brakeman's larger [3].
Clinical expertise adds: when loading, first the pilot, then the push athletes from front to back, in a planned sequence that influences speed as little as possible. The pilot steers beneath the cowling [2]. The rules also state that the pilot's push bar must be fully retracted [1] and that driving is allowed only in a seated position [1].
The pilot loads first so he has control first.
Entry criteria (practice standard):
The pilot pushes along, loads first and begins to steer [3][2]. The push bars on the left side are provided for the pilot [3]. In the two-man bob start the pilots touched the bar and then stayed in a half squat [3].
Milestone: You explain to your coach which tasks the pilot has in the first 30 metres.
You recognise when your speed and the speed of the sled permit loading. The studies give no numerical values for the speed. The feel arises in practice runs with a coach. On a real track the start rules apply: the team is fully present after the call, timing is triggered within 60 seconds [1].
Milestone: You know the start rules and the signal.
Entry is from the left side by a jump [3]. It is the most dangerous phase for you because you go from running into a tight sled. The technique for it, which foot, how deep, where the hands go, a coach shows you in practice runs. There is deliberately no list of steps here.
Milestone: You are secure with loading in training before you attempt it in a race.
The pilot's bar must be fully retracted [1]. You train this with the coach on the sled on the ground. It is a rule, and it protects you from a bar that catches in the track. (reason: practice) Precisely because the pilot loads first, he has the least time for these movements: the more routine the sequence, the calmer the head stays for the first curve.
Milestone: You retract the bar in the sled without looking.
After loading you go into the seated position and grip the steering handles. The rules demand that the steering ropes connecting the handles to the steering withstand the forces in training and competition, and the handles likewise [1]. How you hold the handles you learn in the sled with the coach.
Milestone: You grip the steering handles blind in the seated position.
Before the run do a mind run of loading: close your eyes and go through the sequence, with bar, seat and steering handles. Sliding athletes use mental runs as a fixed part of training [2]. How strongly they work is not quantified in the sources I read. What matters is that you run through the sequence in real time and not in slow motion: if your head replays the loading more slowly than it really lasts, you misjudge later. (practice)
On the left side of the sled, by a jump [3].
In the two-man study 20 to 30 metres; he usually loads first [3].
Yes, fully, under the IBSF rules [1].
With a steering system under the cowling [2]. The steering ropes must withstand the forces [1]. How to steer you learn with a coach.
That depends on training; the sources give no time. Plan several training days at the push track.
Braking in the Outrun: The Brake Comes Only After the Finish Line