Combat Pilot

Combat Pilot is a position in the Imperial Navy which allows the designated officer to assume tactical command of an Imperial Ship-of-War in a combat situation. The Captain retains ultimate authority over the ship, but the Combat Pilot has full authority for immediate tactical command of the ship. This frees the Combat Pilot from the necessity of requesting and waiting for authorization to execute tactical maneuvers. It also frees the Captain from the necessity of commanding the tactical details of an engagement. In a typical combat scenario, tactical command of the ship is transferred by the Captain, stating, "The Combat Pilot has the Conn", and the Combat Pilot responding, "The Combat Pilot has the Conn... Aye, Sir."

The Senior Combat Pilot aboard an Imperial Combat Vessel usually reports directly to the Captain, and also works in close association with the Senior Transit Pilot of the ship. The Senior Combat Pilot is almost always the most senior pilot, and in charge of the pilots' department aboard any Imperial Combat Vessel.