If I can suggest something, get 7th level of engie and gunner in normal pubs, and then hop in Pilot seats in novice matches. It's not like prior the 1.3.7 patch, where when I did something alike (leveling pilot before getting out novicehood) I had, like, 130 matches played and quite an experience, and learn something about flying in novice pubs. If done right, you should be able to leave anything with upper hand, and winning games yourself (well, using ally as bait or living shield), I mean - getting 5:0 results, having at least 4 kills done by your crew. After leveling out of novicehood leave pilot for getting much more experience, because there is a high chance you'll get your ass wrecked at this stage. But with proper observation you will be able to implement something to your flighting style.
And also one thing. Leveling like 7-7-7. Might seem strange huh? Well, players who do so are rather better seen by more advanced players. And, you know, nobody wants to fly lvl 1 player, right?