It is nigh impossible to say for certain who the greatest pilot was or is. There are hundreds of them. Starting with Wilbur, or was it Orville Wright, they were the FIRST test pilots - on their own aircraft (the only one). Today there are several names still alive who were among the greatest, but you cannot ignore those who have died, whether testing or or by natural means.
Today very much alive is Eric Brown, another is John Farley, and others abound. But..........all 'great' in their own right. Eric Brown who flew over 400 types in all vastly different circumstances created awe inspiring moments that will live forever - as will his name. John Farley too created the Harrier from his own skills by working closely with the designers. His stamp is all over it. Without John Farley there would not have been a Harrier. His test pilot skills grew and grew. Now retired he has a special place in test flying.
Tis, therefore, enough to recognise each and every one as the greatest in their own field and tis also right to remember each and every one from time to time for without them aviation, flying in particular, would never have been as safe as it is.
Test flying began with a rate of safety on an ever increasing upward trend, it still does. The legacy of all who flew west and those who died trying to make flying safe for others over a 100 years ago and those who retired knowing that they gave us the ability to step confidently on to aircraft and get to where we wish to go. Relatively few people think of the risks test pilots took to achieve that. Even though they were calculated, they still had to make the aeroplanes safe. It was NEVER thus - now it is. Well almost!
Other pilots have their exploits written for us all to see. In that sense we must not forget the fighter pilot who laid his life on the line, sometimes day after day in the Battle of Britain and other areas of war where they were needed to keep populations free and safe. The list goes on and on.................