This game has a lot of pilots, but a lot less then you'd think. Waaaaaaayyyyyyy back in Rebel Storm the pilot first hit the table with the the Rebel Pilot. We now to date have 17 figures with the pilot ability, 3 characters whose name soley contains the name pilot, and one commander for pilots without the ability, or word in his name. Out of all of them only 6 of them are not unique. You can add one more if we want to include the new Ground Pilot ability.

So as I perused and studied the pilots I was trying to detrimin which one was the best. I had to take a bit into consideration. There are CE's designed soley for pilots, there are CE's that indirectly help them in, others that help everyone, and they fit that group, and in some cases a fig that can stand on it's own. For example, the great Commander that is thrawn, depending on which you choose, he grants a stat bonus or an attack and damage bonus ability. Not to shabby. Xixor the dark prince gave rebel pilots grenades 20 for the skrimish, and now any pilot hanging out with Odd Ball can too.

But before I get to who I think is the best, I shall name who I think is the worst, and my favorite questionable choice. Oh, and who that should have it, but doesn't and it's not who you think. (although he should too).

So the worst, Carth Onasi, any arguments against this one? I didn't think so.

Head scratcher, Darth Krayt? Was he just a cut and past from someone else has suggested?

WHo should but doesn't? Baron Fel, leader of the 181. But like Wedge from the same set that is Universe, it was an undeveloped unknown element. But he did have a Combine Fire CE for what it was worth.

My runner up, Arica/Mara Jade, she was an expert Pilot, and the ability would have added her in a couple of ways.

Honorable Mention, Nein Numb, Lando was actually flying the ship, but Nein Numb was there, so.... we can also consider it a Universe Set issue, after all Pilot was not yet an ability, and Fel and Wedge both didn't have it either.

So point for point who do I think is the best pilot, well, I have to go with the Clone Trooper Pilot Why? Because of a few things. 1) A non-unique republic follower. Good Ce's, and rapport and mobile attack from the queen of naboo. 2) Cost, it's the same cost as a base clone trooper, but better stats and abilites. 3) Counts as both a Pilot and a trooper, consider the CE pool for troopers, and for Pilots. (The next sentince is under review) He also qualifies for rapport from Cody. 4) Order 66, not regulary meaningful, but this allows him access to the empire and Jagged Fel's awesome CE for pilots, oh, and all the other great Imperial follower and trooper based CE's. The republic has a few nice CE's too especially for Order 66 these days.

I didn't choose a power beatstick like the newest Vader LOTF, or the glass cannon multi fire Luke Hero of Yavin. Nope, a lowley 9 point clone.

Just my thoughts on the Pilots of SWM

The 181st from IE with Jagged Fel are a pretty nice little combo, but its also nice to see the new pilots from the GaW set. This new guy gives the Republic some piloting fun for Odd Ball.

I agree with the Nien Numb, but wouldn't Chewbacca then fall into the pilot catagory?

And why do two sith have pilot?

Damage Reduction is actually a non-issue for Anakin on STAP if he's strafe-ing, as he has a lightsaber, but I can see it's use for regular attacks at a distance. As far as pilots go, I think I like Anakin Solo the best as he has a decent commander effect he can receive with it and is an interesting figure himself.

It would be nice to see some errata on some to add pilot.

In my GALACTIC CONQUEST custom set I posted in the customs forum I incorporated a Pilot sub-theme as I wanted to build upon that underutilized special ability. Gilad Pelleaon and Baron Fel are a couple of examples. Check it out, if you like. I appreciate feedback.

http://www.bloomilk.com/Forums/Default.aspx?g=posts&t=2872