Though the Army of the Republic had an impressive array of war machines at its disposal, they would have been rendered useless without the personnel to operate them. The clone troopers designated as pilots were specially trained for the job.

As with other clone officers, clone trooper pilots were given extra training on how to handle the various Republic vessels effectively. Being modular, the accelerated learning and training programs set up on Kamino varied to meet specific needs. Thus, certain pilots were better suited to different vehicles. The CT 5-series of pilots, for example, were generally better trained to handle the Jadthu-class landing ships used during the Haruun Kal crisis. Others specialized in gunship piloting, while some pilots took on the massive Acclamator-class assault ships. Later on in the Clone Wars, pilots were given control of the V-19 Torrent starfighter, to fly into battle.

Some clone trooper pilots took on different roles entirely. Aboard their AT-TE walkers, one pilot maneuvered the vehicle while another acted as a spotter, relaying information to the vehicle's gunners. In such cramped spaces as the cockpit of the AT-TE, the aircrew armour became uncomfortable. Luckily, the Kaminoans had ensured their clone pilots were trained to ignore their discomfort and focus solely on their mission.

Clone trooper pilots were distinguished by the yellow markings on their armour, coupled with their unique pilot helmets. These variations of the standard clone trooper helmet featured life-support apparatus and breathing tubes for emergancy situations. The sigil of the Republic Army was apparent on the pilot's helmets.

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Page created: 05 April 2004