Aviator sent back to the edge (5)
I believe the answer is:
pilot
'aviator' is the definition.
(pilot is a kind of aviator)
'sent back to the edge' is the wordplay.
'sent back' says the letters should be written backwards.
'the edge' becomes 'lip' (lip is a kind of edge).
'to'+'lip'='tolip'
'tolip' backwards is 'PILOT'.
(Other definitions for pilot that I've seen before include "Airman" , "Test or trial (project or programme)" , "Lead" , "This person can be found in a plane or a boat" , "Guide, steer" .)