TOP FIVE FRIDAY: Best STAR TREK Pilots

Navigating the vast expanse of the final frontier requires more than just a keen mind for science and diplomacy; it demands exceptional piloting skills. From the Original Series through to Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Starfleet has seen many skilled pilots take the helm. Here, we count down the top 5 pilots whose abilities have set them apart in the history of Star Trek.

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5. Detmer – Star Trek: Discovery

Lieutenant Keyla Detmer, portrayed by Emily Coutts, takes the fifth spot on our list. After surviving the Battle at the Binary Stars, Detmer was assigned to the USS Discovery where she proved her mettle as an exceptional pilot, navigating through dangerous spore drives and complex battle scenarios. Her resilience and adaptability in the face of new and untested forms of space travel underscore her exceptional skills.

4. Travis Mayweather – Star Trek: Enterprise

Fourth place goes to Ensign Travis Mayweather, played by Anthony Montgomery. Growing up on a freighter, Mayweather brought a lifetime of space travel experience to the NX-01 Enterprise. His intimate knowledge of the stars, and comfort with the void of space, made him an invaluable asset to Captain Archer's crew. Mayweather's deft piloting through spatial anomalies and tense encounters showcased his top-tier abilities.

3. Tom Paris – Star Trek: Voyager

Lieutenant Tom Paris, portrayed by Robert Duncan McNeill, is our third pick. A gifted but troubled pilot, Paris found redemption aboard the USS Voyager. His piloting prowess was unmatched, especially in critical situations like navigating the ship through the treacherous Badlands and using innovative techniques to escape numerous enemy encounters in the Delta Quadrant. Paris also designed the Delta Flyer, further proving his exceptional understanding of flight dynamics.

2. Hikaru Sulu – Star Trek: The Original Series and Films

Taking the runner-up spot is Lieutenant Hikaru Sulu, played by George Takei. Sulu's calm demeanor belied his extraordinary skills at the helm of the USS Enterprise under Captain James T. Kirk. His adept handling of the starship in various perilous situations, including intense space battles and navigating uncharted territories, showcased his exemplary piloting skills. Sulu's expertise extended beyond the Enterprise, as he eventually became the captain of the USS Excelsior, a testament to his leadership and navigation prowess.

1. Jadzia Dax – Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

The top spot goes to Lieutenant Commander Jadzia Dax, portrayed by Terry Farrell. Dax's symbiotic existence provided her with centuries of piloting experience and knowledge, making her an unparalleled pilot in Starfleet history. Her skills were instrumental in navigating through the Bajoran wormhole and executing complex maneuvers during the Dominion War. Jadzia's ability to draw on the experiences of her previous hosts gave her a unique edge, combining intuition with a depth of knowledge that no other pilot on this list could claim.

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These pilots have proven time and again that they are the best at what they do, each bringing their unique skills and experiences to navigate the stars. Whether through instinct, innovation, or incomparable experience, they have all left their mark on Starfleet history.

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Honorable Mention: Lt. Erica Ortega – Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

She is Erica Ortega and she flies the ship. As the helmsman of the USS Enterprise under Captain Christopher Pike, Ortega's piloting skills have quickly become a standout aspect of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Portrayed with a combination of tenacity and sharp wit, Ortega's role in navigating one of Starfleet's most iconic ships through the unknown has rapidly cemented her status among the elite pilots of the fleet. Ortega's character adds a fresh dynamic to the lineage of Starfleet helmsmen, blending traditional piloting excellence with a modern sensibility that resonates with newer audiences.