Abstract: A pilot assembly as for locating a workpiece in successive forming stages of a machine, such as a punch press, where the workpiece is progressively moved through the forming stages of the machine. The pilot assembly includes a pilot pin mounted to a movable die member of the machine for guiding entry into a previously formed hole in a workpiece or in a companion die member as the die members are moved toward each other, the pin being axially retractable in its mounting in the event it strikes an obstruction.