A Jedi ace represented a specialized career path available to any Jedi Knight who sought to become a Jedi Guardian. As members of the Jedi Starfighter Corps, these aces combined their deep connection to the Force with exceptional piloting skills. This combination allowed them to execute nearly impossible and exceptionally brave maneuvers, enabling them to defeat enemies or evade being shot down themselves.
Jedi who chose this path of training would pilot specialized starfighters to achieve mastery in the art of space combat. These aces fought for the Army of Light alongside the Republic Navy during the New Sith Wars. However, the Ruusan Reformation brought changes to the Republic's defense structure. Despite the reliance on sector and planetary forces to transport non-hyperspace-capable ships between star systems, the aces continued to serve with distinction. The role of the aces within the Order was formally documented by Jedi Master Crix Sunburris, a Guardian and Ace, in his contribution to The Jedi Path: A Manual for Students of the Force.
By relying on instinct and their trust in the Force, these pilots achieved victory through a unique Force-based connection known as a Force meld, which involved linking two or more minds to synchronize attacks. Battle meditation was also commonly used by those working with the aces, enabling the pilots to act as extensions of the coordinator's strategic plan. Some Jedi aces used the Force not only to improve their own flying abilities but also to influence the minds of their adversaries, causing confusion or loss of focus. Luke Skywalker once employed this technique during a dogfight with Imperial forces, but he later questioned whether it was too close to the dark side.
Many Jedi, from both the Old and New Jedi Order, proudly served as aces in the battles against the Sith and other evildoers. Even before becoming a full member of the Order, Anakin Skywalker, who would later become an ace, received a patch from Master Shaptives, a member of the Corps, for his heroic actions during the Battle of Naboo in 32 BBY. Later, Padawan Ahsoka Tano mentioned in her version of The Jedi Path that she had hoped to join this distinguished group, but her departure from the Jedi Order and the subsequent Great Jedi Purge prevented her from doing so. After the Order's reestablishment, Grand Master Skywalker, his wife Mara, their niece Jaina Solo, Kyp Durron, and Corran Horn were all recognized as some of the best pilots to have graduated from the Jedi academy.