Flew as fighter pilot, in a way (5)
I believe the answer is:
raced
'flew' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'fighter pilot in a way' is the wordplay.
'fighter pilot' becomes 'ace' (I've seen this in another clue).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'a way' becomes 'rd' (short for road).
'ace' placed within 'rd' is 'RACED'.
'as' is the link.
(Other definitions for raced that I've seen before include "speeded" , "Cedar (anag)" , "Took part in speed contest" , "Operated at excessive speed" , "Rushed" .)