Pilot/Farscape

Pilot is the name of a character as well as an alien species featured in the 1999-2003 science fiction television series Farscape. Pilot was a giant puppet character who was operated by puppeteers from Jim Henson's Creature Workshop and was voiced by New Zealand actor Lani Tupu. Pilot appeared in all 88 episodes of the series and was also featured in the 2004 miniseries Farscape: The Peacekeeper Wars.

Overview
Pilot is a sentient alien life form genetically bred to operate the flight capability systems for the gigantic Leviathan-class bio-transport ships. Pilot refers to not only his function, but is also used as a proper name as well. Pilot is cybernetically fused with the internal workings of a Leviathan ship known as Moya and resides within a special chamber within the bowels of the ship. Pilot not only monitors and maintains Moya's systems, but also communicates with her via his symbionic relationship with the vessel and translates her feelings, desires and/or commands to the rest of the ship's crew and passengers. As Pilot cannot leave his cockpit station, maintenance on Moya is performed by a series of small robotic support tools known as DRDs (diagnostic repair drones).

Notes & Trivia



 * Voice actor Lani Tupu also played the role of antagonist Bialar Crais. Though he was credited for his on-screen performances as Crais, he was uncredited as the voice of Pilot.


 * Farscape actor Ben Browder was unaware that co-star Lani Tupu, who normally plays Bialar Crais, also provided the voice for Pilot until the end of production on season one.


 * Puppeteer Sean Masterson also operated the facial movements for the NamTar puppet in the Farscape episode "DNA Mad Scientist".


 * Pilot's arms and tentacles are an integral component for operating Moya's systems. As such, he can regenerate lost limbs should they become detached or diseased. (Farscape: DNA Mad Scientist)

Notable episodes

 * "Premiere" (1st appearance)
 * "DNA Mad Scientist" (Arm is severed)
 * "The Way We Weren't"
 * "Eat Me" (Pilot of Rovhu)
 * "Losing Time" (possessed by energy rider)
 * "Crichton Kicks" (Pilot of Elack)

Related categories

 * Images of Pilot
 * Appearances of Pilot