Verdict: Who Is the Best Star Pilot in ‘Star Wars’?

Star Wars has a worldwide following, needless to say. I mean, we all know that. But, the universe’s pilots and aircraft have a separate fan base of their own. And today, it’s about that. It’s about yet another popular debate of the fandom.

Who is the best pilot in the Star Wars universe? Is it Han? Is it one of the Skywalkers? But wait…what about Wedges? Alright, hold up. Before you go on speculating and debating, I’ve got you guys some answers.

9. Chewbacca

We all love Chewie, don’t we? His big heart and loyalty to his friends just warms our hearts. But this furry species is a beast when he’s behind the wheel!

Chewbacca was an exceptional pilot with his flying skills off the chart, and he was a great mechanic as well. He had an in-depth understanding of droids, transmitters, and others devices and could even make some from an aircraft’s wreck.

Before Han Solo died, he was his co-pilot and knew how to operate the controls of the Falcon with great precision. After Han Solo, he quite often was also the sole pilot of the Falcon.

8. Plo Koon

Plo Koon was one of the great fighters of the Jedi order and even a better pilot. His skills have been lauded by the likes of Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi.

The Jedi Master’s impeccable Force sensitivity also empowered him to maneuver the aircraft swiftly and with relative ease. Too bad he died after his wingmen shot down his starfighter. But I guess, at least he died doing what he was great at!

7. Rey Skywalker

You know what they say—survival instincts bring out qualities that one didn’t know they had!

Such is the case with Rey. When she was in the Jakku desert, she learned to repair and even fly a spaceship.

With the Skywalker blood, she is an exceptional self-taught pilot who knew the ins and outs of how an aircraft works. And beyond everything else, she had managed to impress even the legendary pilot Han Solo who offered her the seat of a co-pilot on the Millennium Falcon.

6. Poe Dameron

One of the last remaining pilots of the Resistance was also one of their best to have ever flown! Trained by the legendary pilot Wedge Antilles, he became one of Antilles’ best apprentices.

When he was six years old, Poe had flown starships and later on became the X-Wing commander. His most extraordinary feat includes shooting down about 10 FO TIE fighters without missing a single shot.

5. Luke Skywalker

There’s something about the Skywalker blood that just makes them so good at flying. They are born with this thirst for adventure, and Luke was no different.

He emulated his father, Anakin’s piloting skills, and later became a starfighter as the X-Wing commander. His skills have been highly regarded, and he has also been said to be “The best bush pilot in the Outer Rim Territories.”

The Last Jedi was also able to escape from Darth Vader himself, though Han Solo and Chewbacca came to his rescue.

4. Wedge Antilles

One of the best pilots the Star Wars universe has ever seen. He was the master of Poe Dameron, taught Luke Skywalker, and has the highest record in flight simulators, only surpassed by Luke.

His in-depth knowledge about aircrafts and tactical skills in a battle made him a great starfighter and an even better strategist! With skills, he was given the position of the Head Instructor at the New Republic Flight Academy, befitting his disciplined and focussed nature.

3. Hera Syndulla

Most pilots on this list have proven their worth behind the wheels on one or a few starfighters and aircraft. But Hera being the rebel she was, strived to polish her piloting skills persistently. And you could see that with the way she flew.

She has flown the Ghost, the Phantom, B-Wing, T-65B X-Wing, and many other starfighters. Her focus and determination to care for her team and devote herself to a cause were immense, and not many could match that passion! Not even Han Solo.

The only difference between her and Solo was that while her strengths came from discipline, Han Solo’s abilities were innate.

2. Han Solo

The next on the list is Han Solo, the legendary smuggler and the man behind the Millenium Falcon. He had evaded imperial fleets on numerous occasions, successfully went through an asteroid belt, and came to Luke’s rescue when he fought Vader.

His legendary feat of completing the Kessel Run in 12 parsecs is a fan-favorite not just for us but even the later generations like Rey. And to think that he accomplished all his feats without using the Force or being a part of the Jedi order is sheer brilliance.

Solo: A Star Wars Story Official Trailer

1. Anakin Skywalker | Darth Vader

Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader is the best pilot in the Star Wars Universe. Hailed by Obi-Wan as the best pilot of the galaxy, Anakin had won pod races and destroyed the Trade Federation’s Space Station when he was a mere child of nine.

As Darth Vader, he has shot down numerous Rebel ships, and there’s nobody who can evade him. Yes, his son Luke did once, but that was only with the help of Han Solo and Chewbacca.

His flying skills even left the great Obi-Wan a bit unsettled, and when Anakin entered a fight with his craft, he said, “This is where the fun begins.” This depicts his confidence as a pilot, an unparalleled one.

Anakin Skywalker: Becoming Darth Vader | Epic Cinematic

The biggest advantage Anakin has is his Force. Being one of the greatest Force-users of all time, the Chosen One leverages it well to overpower his enemies and sure does justice to being called the best pilot in the galaxy!

About Star Wars

Star Wars is an American epic space opera media franchise created by George Lucas, which began with the 1977 film Star Wars: A New Hope and quickly became a worldwide pop-culture phenomenon.

It has three trilogies at its core – Original, Prequel, and Sequel, spread across five decades and interspersed with at least a dozen spin-off series and films.

Created by George Lucas and his Lucasfilm, the franchise is currently under the Disney umbrella. All the Star Wars films and shows are now available to binge on Disney+ streaming service.