Pilot

In order to keep the skies clear as well as the ground, XCOM also serves as Earth's air force. By deploying high-speed interceptors to patrol the upper altitudes of the planet XCOM can eliminate enemies and protect the satellite network. Pilots are also trained to operate the Skyrangers, aerial workhorses of the organisation.

Roles and Command Structure
Due to their military and logistical importance, pilots are trained to have operate at sub-orbital altitudes in cutting edge machines. Each one is an experienced pilot recruited from the top of their respective forces, usually with a significant amount of flight time logged. Like all military operations, pilots receive their orders from Mission Command at central XCOM headquarters.

Interceptors
The interceptors pilot high speed combat aircraft to intercept hostile aerial targets, primary targets to defend are usually satellites. Civilian aircraft are often ordered out of the airspace as soon as a UFO is detected, though interceptors are still trained in escort and protective maneuvers should the situation arise. In order to maintain global coverage, teams of interceptors are stored at various different locations around the planet, though all teams still take their orders from Mission Control. Originally pilots were assigned to Raven-type interceptors but where eventually phased out in favor of the hybrid engineered Firestorm model.

Skyranger
While a large number of pilots are assigned interceptors, a small group pilot XCOM's Skyrangers instead. These aircraft are key in the organisation's logistics for deploying teams and securing alien artefacts. Skyrangers are trained to operate while under fire to ensure the whole team ultimately make it back to headquarters in one piece.

Equipment
Most pilots do not require extensive loadouts like soldiers, instead each pilot wears a flight suit too keep them safe in-flight at high speeds. They also receive pistol training and carry plasma pistols as a backup weapon.