Feats of former pilots one replaced (8)
I believe the answer is:
exploits
'feats' is the definition.
(I know this)
'former pilots one replaced' is the wordplay.
'former' becomes 'ex' (prefix meaning former or onetime).
'one replaced' indicates an anagram.
'pilots' is an anagram of 'ploits'.
'ex'+'ploits'='EXPLOITS'
'of' is the link.
(Other definitions for exploits that I've seen before include "Takes advantage of - daring deeds?" , "Manipulates someone to one's own advantage" , "Bold or daring feats" , "Unfairly uses" .)