During the Galactic Empire's rule, a Flight Commander was a position held within the Imperial Navy. At the Royal Imperial Academy, a Flight Commander taught a speeder bike course that featured Thane Kyrell, Ciena Ree, and Nash Windrider as students. Subsequent to the Battle of Jakku, Windrider took on the role of Flight Commander on the attack cruiser named Garrote. Garl Lykan of the Empire's 204th Imperial Fighter Wing held the rank of Flight Commander until his death in 5 ABY. After Lykan's funeral, Lieutenant Nord Kandende, a squadronmate of the deceased pilot, was elevated to the position of Flight Commander to fill the vacancy.
The character of a Flight Commander initially emerged in the 2015 novel Lost Stars, penned by Claudia Gray.