Hey all, need a quick clarification. Can pilot skill dependant upgrade cards be equiped to pilots who initially don't meet the requirements, but are boosted with VI or Adaptability?

My specific example is wanting to equip Black One to "Snap" Wexley while he has VI also equiped. I originally would have assumed this was fine, but know that deployment has to be done in 'native' pilot skill order so wondered if upgrade cards were the same.

Thanks!

VI changes your native pilot skill, and allows equipping Black One.

Adaptability only takes effect at Place Forces, and does not.

Veteran Instincts changes the pilot skill during squad building and allows you to equip upgrade cards with PS limitations (like Black one) before you place any ships on the board. Adaptability is a dual card that allows you to change the PS after you place your ship on the board at its normal PS order.

Okay sweet. Thanks guys!

Can I clarify then that a pilot with VI is deployed at their new pilot skill, not at their base pilot skill? I have a friend who's been insisting they deploy as their original pilot skill, and as he plays more than me I've been taking it for granted that he's right. Is there somewhere in the rules I can point to for this?

Correct. Ships equipped with Veteran Instincts deploy at their increased pilot skill, not their base.

Fantastic! Thank you.