CKG Pilot

One of the most important roles in the CKGs, pilots are highly trained, and their position is widely sought after. Almost every child in the galaxy has dreamed of one day flying to new and faraway places, and the existence of CKG pilots can bring those dreams to life sooner than any other planet.

Qualifications

The CKGs train their own pilots with their own facilities, but basic education is required, as well as graduation from at least five years of formal school. Exceptions can be made provided applicants can pass an entrance exam. Aspiring pilots must have decent reflexes and other skills that will help them in controlling a starfighter.

Career Progression

Once recruits are sent through entry courses and pass their exams, they are assigned to a squadron as a substitute pilot. They bunk, eat, and train with their squadron and spend most of their time either with the squadron or in classes. After a certain time period has passed, they are considered a full member of the squadron and are assigned their own starfighter. The new pilot will begin drills with the squadron and possibly brief missions. As the pilots become more skilled, they can rise through the ranks of their squadron, occasionally changing to a different one if more pilots are needed.

You observe more. Terria and Aye, they both rush in. They’re fiery and reckless. Their passion can be useful, I won’t deny that, but neither of them is ready to be a true leader. There is no one else I’d rather have as my second, or have lead the squadron if I die. You’re the right choice, Stella, I know it.

— Jace, Last Zero

Every year, squadron commanders meet with the head of the Starfighter Corps and go over the hierarchy, moving pilots to new positions and sometimes changing lieutenants. If a pilot is good enough, they can become a lieutenant, which allows them to lead missions, and eventually even the commander of the entire squadron. There are two lieutenants per squadron, one of which is the "first lieutenant", who leads the squad in the commander's absence and in case of the commander's death.

Payment & Reimbursement

Pilots are granted a regular salary of about 100 silver per week, as well as housing on base, food from the base kitchen, and basic clothing and CKG uniforms. Lieutenants are given 15 silver more per week, and commanders are paid about 200 to 300 a week depending on their veterancy in the CKGs.

Other Benefits

Aside from material payment and the comforts of living in personal quarters, CKG pilots get to fly their own ships, travel to distant planets, and fight for justice along with the rest of the CKGs. Many join the CKGs for a chance to see the galaxy with their own eyes and take themselves wherever they choose. Others want to fight against the Visorans who have taken family, friends, and safety away from them. Whatever reasons someone might have for joining the CKGs and applying to be a pilot, they have nothing to lose by trying and can always find something in the CKGs that will guide them and help them to find whatever it is they need.

Tools

A pilot's equipment is provided by the CKGs and includes uniforms, flight suits, weapons, and simple tools. When in meetings, classes, and other official settings, pilots are required to wear their CKG uniform, which is white and gray with dark blue bands at the shoulders. Flight suits are the same color but with larger patches of blue and are made of a different material. The weapons carried by a pilot are a basic laser pistol and a stun baton. Pilots rarely need to use their tool kits, but some prefer to do basic maintenance on their own ships instead of letting the mechanic crews take care of them. Pilots are also given a starfighter as well as a flight helmet to wear while flying their ship.

Workplace

On base, pilots spend their work hours in simulators, hangars, and their ships. Most of their planning and strategizing is done in the hangar or in their quarters. When on missions or in battles, pilots travel all over the galaxy and can be found flying over foreign planets or in the deep space between destinations.

The door to Ruby’s barracks was covered in red scrawls declaring what squadron lived there, a common practice among the CKGs.

— Pitical's Squadron

Hazards

Despite the benefits of being a pilot, the dangers can turn many away from the position. Because the CKGs are primarily a military organization, the role of a pilot includes fighting in battles. Many pilots do not survive their time in the CKGs due to the fighting. Aside from military hazards, the chances of crashing or being stranded are much higher among the CKGs because of the age and experience of most of their pilots. Injuries are common during training and the death rate has recently gone up thanks to the Visoran War.

A pilot? She loved flying. She loved soaring through the skies in her pink and blue and green fighter, shooting through space alongside Terria and Jace and the rest of Ruby Squadron.

— Stella, Last Zero

Alternative Names

Flyer (CKG nickname), Hotshot (insult)

Type

Military

Demand

Medium demand

by Lilliana Casper

Purpose

When the CKGs first began the Starfighter Corps, their intention was to prepare teens for a future in piloting. As the organization became more political and more militaristic, the Starfighter Corps also became less of a club and more of a workforce. When the CKGs fully became a military group, the pilots also became full military officers. Instead of simply learning how to fly, pilots learned how to fight, create battle plans, and follow orders. The current purpose of the Starfighter Corps and the pilots who are part of it is to provide security and strength in space battles as well as introduce young people to flying.

Social Status

In the CKGs, pilots are seen in a variety of ways. Some see them as reckless and thrill-seeking, while others see them as brave and loyal. Outside of the CKGs, pilots are considered the most skilled members of the organization. Children often look up to them and wish to become one of them. In general, most people feel positive about them.

by Lilliana Casper