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[BlackJaw]

Ok, the pilot core class is nice, but maybe we could make it a bit of a better PC class?

Right now its better then a NPC class, but not good enough for most players to take.

My off the wall idea: we increase the attack bonus to Fighter BAB. The character still has a weaker hit point and powers then any fighter/paladin/barbarain/or ranger does, but now he'd be better for playing in general. He still gets some of those nice free feats (not all of which are air only... along with the alertness I'd add skill focus and maybe a few others. Also we might be allowing normal dodge feat in air, so we wouldn't need a special vehicle dodge feat and that's another one that works in normal D&D) so you could make a good character that way for out of flight situations. The class is still best in air, but if you game includes a mix, at least your PC will hold his own anyway.
Now how do I "explain" the concept of the higher BAB for the Pilot? well most of the pilot's powers are based of air combat, and you could extend that to mean that most non-combat/danger realted pilots use the Expert NPC class. This is kind of a figher pilot class (although the character could just as likely use other vehicle types... and I am in no way wanting to change the class's name)... and fighter pilots are kinda agressive combat related characters. Most military trained pilots are also trained in self defense and the like for if they go down in enemy territory etc. As long as they don't get much armor weapon proficenciey, I'd say a Higher BAB might be ok? any thoughts?