Level One Starfighter Qualification Test The Level One Starfighter Qualification Test was an assessment given by the Alliance to Restore the Republic to hopeful pilots . The test took the form of two simulated missions under the guidance of a superior officer acting as an instructor . In order to qualify for active combat duty as a Rebel starfighter pilot , prospects had to complete all stated mission objectives . Deep Space Strike Evaluation . For the first portion of the test , prospects would fly a Y - wing starfighter designated " Rookie One " in a series of mock deep space strike missions based on previous Rebel raids . Part one of the strike evaluation requires a pilot to completely destroy all storage containers at an Imperial tibanna processing facility . While the facility was largely defenseless , the attack would provoke a visit from local Imperial patrols . After the destruction of the containers , pilots would fly to the second target area to begin the next assault . In target area two , pilots were charged with the destruction of the Carrack - class light cruiser " Sodrab " undergoing repairs at the Damorian Repair Yard near Draik 4 . The facility was protected by a number of static weapons emplacements and was near enough to an Imperial base that reinforcements were never more than a few minutes away . The purpose of this exercise was to teach pilots how to attack a target from long - range using warheads ( proton torpedos in this instance ) . Furthermore , pilots were taught that " dumb - firing " warheads ( that is , firing a warhead without targeting the enemy and acquiring a target lock first ) can be an effective strategy for avoiding point - defense weapons . In the final target area , prospective starfighter pilots were to engage an Imperial convoy passing near Cirtappa . The convoy had only a light escort consisting of a Lancer - class frigate and a few assault shuttles . While their instructor provided cover , pilots were expected to destroy at least one quarter of the convoy vessels before they entered hyperspace . If the mission objectives could be met , pilots would then move on to the second stage of the test . Starfighter Superiority Evaluation . In the first target area of the Starfighter Superiority Evaluation , pilots would be pitted against TIE Fighters in a series of mock dogfights while their instructor observed . Upon completion of the solo component of the evaluation , pilots would join up with their instructors to form a two - man flight element and square off against TIE Interceptors . While the solo dogfighting tested the pilots ' skills in one - vs - one , one - vs - two , and one - vs - many scenarios , the two - man element tested a pilot ' s ability to work well with a wingmate . Rookie pilots employed basic strategies like flanking to outmaneuver their opponents with their instructor ' s assistance . In target area three , the pilot ' s element was joined by another rookie ' s element to form a four - man flight group . In this exercise , a pilot learned how to best function in a four - man flight while facing equal , then greater numbers of TIE Interceptors . Finally , three flights would come together to form a full squadron . The superiority evaluation culminates in a furball between Imperial fighters and bombers and the Rebel rookie squadron . Capital ship support for the Empire and Alliance came in the form of the Victory Star Destroyer " Marut " and the MC80 Cruiser " Defiance " , respectively . If the rookies could force the Marut Task Force to withdraw they would successfully complete the Starfighter Superiority Evaluation .