So now level 3 helmsmanship is useless now?
The 1% is a tad rash . Even ignoring weapons, a Lasher for example, at 56 flux/s with max caps (4500) can't keep the speed boost up with shields on, and i guess the whole point of that skill was to allow exactly this. It needs stabilised shields (or other skills) to be able to do this. On my max Tech/Combat character i get 4710 with 42, which is enough, but entirely barely enough barring skills.
On a combat Hammerhead i get with my max Tech/Combat char 7420 at 75. However, this works, due to more vents and i guess how often the game checks said level and moves the entire discussion away from the point and into 'frames' of fluxchecking.
If Helmsmanship 3 was supposed to allow you to keep the shield up while getting noflux boost, then rework it to say/do exactly that. If it was meant to allow you firing PDs (which lasers, as shield upkeep, work too well given quick venting, versus a single shot of a machine gun 'bursting' through the 1% limit), then it's really not doing the job and a raise to 3% or so should keep it in check (thought it will entirely favor beam PD and even beam weapons due to mechanics).