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Now, I won't go into detail on how to become a TIE pilot, for if you can't read a simple e-mail and find your way around Bestine, you won't be much good in space!
To start off with you are awarded your 'starter' ship, a basic TIE Light-Duty, non-upgradable non-hyperspeed fighter. You are also given your first mission, a relatively simple patrol, so you should head to the starport from where you may launch your fighter using the space terminal there.
I kept my starter TIE for a few missions, then, after losing all my rear armor (!) decided to upgrade to a better craft. Such damage can be repaired at the space station for around 100cr, but by buying a shipwright-crafted Light Duty TIE, I was not only able to install shields, but also boosters, missiles, and better guns. The blueprints for the Light Duty version can be picked up for around 20-30K, then purchase the chassis from the chassis-dealer at the starport for 10K. After this initial outlay, check the bazaar terminal for ship components (it seems to be overrun by 'space loot' at the moment!). You should be able to equip your ship with some half-decent parts and save money at the same time. You can always strip the ship and 're-deed' it when you move up to the next ship, selling your old one to another pilot that is just starting out.
As you progress through your career, you may be awarded better flight suits and helmets, to distinguish you from the rookie pilots!
To start off with, you should get used to the controls of the TIE. Practice accelerating, decelerating, rolling, and angling the nose of the craft in the direction you want to go. The TIE is very responsive, especially at high speeds, so don't over-control. Once you have gotten the hang of the fighter, try engaging some low level targets, such as the space pirates which can be found in high orbits around Tatooine.
Your TIE fighter (even the starter!) is vastly superior to the Rebel and pirate level equivalent, the outdated Z-95 Headhunter. The TIE is more manoeuverable, faster, and better armed, not to mention better looking! Against Tier 1 enemy ships, you should have no problem dropping in behind your opponent and 'waxing their tail'! Bear in mind that against slower ships like the Z-95 and the Y-Wing bomber, you will need to cut your speed, perhaps even to half speed, to avoid over-shooting your target.
At all times be aware of your shield and armor levels. If you notice your rear shield has dropped and you're taking armor damage, you've certainly got an enemy fighter on your tail! Remember, once your shield is down, you will take armor damage, which can only be repaired at a space station. Your armor is the only thing stopping the laser bolts from tearing your ship to pieces! Disengage from your current target and deal with your 'bogey'. Once he's space-dust, continue your attack.
The following controls are essential for effective use of your star-fighter.
'B' will engage your ship's booster, giving you up to around a 20% increase in speed.
'C' targets the nearest space-station for access to the starports of a planet.
'TAB' cycles through available targets in your vicinity. Use 'K' and 'L' to cycle through friendly ships, and ',' and '.' to cycle through enemy ships.
'X' selects the target directly under your cross-hairs.
'M' matches your speed with that of your currently selected target.
'N' brings up the current sytem map for the star system you are in.
'H' brings up the hyperspace map for destination selection. It also shows the distance to space stations for each region, and the relative dangers of travelling to those parts of space.
'V' brings up your ship component screen to show how your ship is outfitted.
'G' shows your weapon configuration screen.
