Minimum skills for all pilots:

Engineering 5: maximize powergrid.
Electronics 5: maximize CPU.
Energy Management 5: maximize the capacitor capacity.
Energy Systems Operation 5: maximize the capacitor recharge rate.
Energy Grid Upgrades 5: lower power module cpu requirements.
Mechanic 5: maximize structure hitpoints.
Shield Management 5: maximize shield capacity.
Shield Operation 5: maximize shield recharge rate.
Hull Upgrade 5: maximize armor hitpoints.
Repair Systems 4: be able to operate the best armor and hull repair modules.