By Tim Hartin

The Aviator is the flying ace of the wild blue yonder. Gifted with exceptional skill and bravery, the aviator flies because he loves it. As far as the aviator is concerned, to fly is the greatest thrill one can ever know. He will brave great danger to hone his skill. After all, an aviator isn't truly happy unless he is sitting in a cockpit several thousand feet off the ground.
          The aviator's love for flying is only matched by his knowledge of his aircraft. He knows every inch of his vehicle so well that it almost becomes a part of him. He can encourage and push his aircraft to limits that would prove to be virtually impossible for any lesser pilot. The aviator soars the skies in search of adventure and excitement. Historical Note: A female aviator was sometimes known as an aviatrix.
          Vitality: 1d8 plus Constitution modifier per level.

Requirements
To qualify as an aviator, a character must fulfill the following criteria:
          Skills: Pilot 8+, Repair 6+.
          Feats: Precise Control, Speed Demon.

Class Skills
The aviator's class skills, and the key ability for each of them, are as follows: Knowledge (navigation) (Int), Listen (Wis), Pilot (Dex), Profession (Int), Repair (Int), Spot (Wis).

          Skill Points at Each Additional Level: 3 + Int modifier.

Class Features
All of the following are class features of the aviator.
          Aircraft Defense: At first level, the aviator may add his Defense bonus derived from his aviator levels to the Defense of any aircraft that he is piloting.
          Weapon Proficiencies: Aviators have the Weapon Proficiency (simple) and Weapon Proficiency (pistols) feats.
          Familiarity: At second level, aviators gain a bonus on Pilot and Repair checks when used on an aircraft he designates as familiar. The same bonus also applies to the aviators attack rolls when firing aircraft's weapons. This bonus increases by one for every two levels thereafter (4th, 6th, 8th, and 10th).
          To designate an aircraft as familiar, the aviator must have operated it for at least three months. An Aviator can only be familiar with one aircraft at a time.
          Aircraft Evasion: At fifth level, the aviator can make a Pilot check to lessen damage inflicted by a successful hit against the aircraft he is piloting. If the aviator exceeds the attack roll, the damage inflicted on the aircraft is halved (round down). An aviator can make an evasion check once per round.
          Improved Aircraft Evasion: At ninth level, the aviator's aircraft evasion improves. A successful Pilot check negates all damage by the attack.

TABLE AVR-1: THE AVIATOR