The Best Star Wars Pilots: Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, & More

When there’s a world out there among the stars, you need pilots who can navigate it. Star Wars™ is full of characters who can fly, since a lot of the times, it’s the only way to get around. But who are the best of the best? We’re talking the coolest pilots, the expert navigators, and the sneakiest smugglers.

Whether they fly for the good guys, the bad guys, or coast somewhere in between, these pilots are the talk of the galaxy. Let’s meet them below.

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Luke Skywalker

Red Five, standing by! Luke Skywalker always dreamed of becoming a pilot. He practiced however he could and whenever he was able on his home planet of Tatooine. Then, when the time finally came for Luke to show his skills, he didn’t disappoint. Luke literally saved the galaxy with his fighter pilot — and Force — skills. Fans tend to think of Luke the instant anyone discusses pilots in Star Wars, too. And they also reference Luke’s dad.

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Anakin Skywalker / Darth Vader

Anakin Skywalker tended to show off when he was in the cockpit. But that makes sense, considering he started in the entertainment business with podracing. With an earned confidence and a penchant for the dramatic, the young pilot flew circles around the Separatists during the Clone Wars. Anakin also made his mentor, Obi-Wan Kenobi, quite motion sick on high-speed chases through Coruscant. Yet no matter how much Obi-Wan didn’t like his apprentice’s antics, he couldn’t deny their effectiveness in combat.

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Kylo Ren / Ben Solo

Clearly, Kylo Ren inherited his ace flying skills from his father and grandfather before him. His concentration and moves, with just a bit of ego, resemble both Han Solo and Darth Vader. But Kylo Ren unfortunately used those inherent abilities to help the First Order oppress the galaxy. Still, Ren’s incredible piloting earned him the chance to field test a unique ship called a TIE Silencer.

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Rey

Like Luke, Rey wasted many days trapped on a desert planet. She longed to fly among the stars, running simulations on an old X-Wing helmet. Rey finally got her shot when she stole the defunct Millennium Falcon from a Jakku scrapyard. Aboard the iconic freighter, Rey improvised and learned as she went. While that led to a pretty rough landing, it’s extremely impressive that she kept the Falcon in the air with zero experience beforehand.

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Han Solo and Chewbacca

Let’s hear it for the best co-pilots in the galaxy! Han Solo and Chewbacca are one of the most iconic pairs in Star Wars history. In the air and on the ground, the two pilots understood each other perfectly. Even if they were fighting, they could go back to being in sync when aboard the Millennium Falcon. Together, they knew the intricate ins and outs of the ship they used to become infamous smugglers and pirates — and heroes of the Rebellion. But most notably, they completed the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs.

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Lando Calrissian

Of course, we can’t forget Lando Calrissian. While Lando was not the Falcon’s original owner, it’s Lando who Han Solo won the ship from — in a game of sabaac, no less. Lando modified the freighter for luxury to match his ostentatious personality. However, Lando’s love of fancy interiors didn’t detract from his skills behind the wheel. When Han Solo was imprisoned in carbonite, Lando once again took command of the ship, using it to rescue his friends from the clutches of the Empire and Jabba the Hutt alike.

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Hera Syndulla

Captain Hera Syndulla was instrumental in the earliest days of the Rebellion. Even before she flew under the phoenix symbol created by Sabine Wren, Hera used the Ghost to cause plenty of trouble for the Imperials. She was well-known for crafty escapes and tricky maneuvers executed with relative ease. Plus, no matter what she was flying, Hera could clearly handle every kind of control or situation she ended up in. And of course, we can’t forget a shout-out for her trusty droid helper, Chopper!

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Poe Dameron

Poe Dameron was the Resistance’s ace pilot. When captured by the First Order, Poe escaped on a stolen TIE Fighter. He had never flown one previously, but was able to learn quickly while also teaching Finn how to co-pilot and use the weapons system. While Poe did eventually crash, the accident was due to enemy fire. And Poe survived to lead his squadron to victory against the evil remnants of the Empire.

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Din Djarin

You have to be a skilled escape artist when you’re smuggling your adopted kid — Grogu — around the Outer Rim. Luckily, Din Djarin, AKA The Mandalorian, was an incredible pilot. He could follow anyone’s trail while he was chasing bounties on the big Razor Crest. Then, he transitioned effortlessly to the sleek, smaller, and speedy N-1 starfighter from Naboo. Additionally, Din Djarin showcased the extra skill of being able to maneuver himself in a jetpack. That gives him extra points in our book.

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Fly high, Star Wars fans! Who is your favorite pilot in a galaxy far, far away? Share your picks at side.show/geekgroup or in the Sideshow Social Network. And as always, don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!