A memory system including a memory and, to perform a writing operation to store user data among a plurality of cells of the memory, a pilot generator module, a multiplexer module, and a write module. The pilot generator module is configured to randomly alternate between selection of a first scheme by which pilot data is to be stored, along with the user data, among the plurality of cells of the memory, and a second scheme by which the pilot data is to be stored, along with the user data, among the plurality of cells. The pilot data comprises a known predetermined sequence. The multiplexer module is configured to combine the pilot data and the user data in accordance with the selection of the first scheme and the second scheme. The write module is configured to write the pilot data and the user data among the plurality of cells.