If you want to take the next step in your pilot career, the proper resume can help you obtain a better position and continue to do what you love. Learn how to write a pilot resume and showcase your skills from flight planning and passenger communication to following Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations with these tips. You’ll also find examples and templates to help you get started.
Most Popular Pilot Resumes
Entry-Level Airline Pilot Resume Example
Why this pilot resume example is strong:
This pilot resume summarizes the candidate’s experience in the profile statement and immediately lists the candidate’s flight hours in an easy-to-scan format.
Mid-Career Airline Pilot Resume Example
Why this pilot resume example is strong:
This resume uses bulleted lists to make it easy for hiring managers to scan for important information such as flight hours, skills, and certifications.
Senior-level Airline Pilot Resume Example
Why this pilot resume example is strong:
This senior-level resume uses specific statistics to illustrate the candidate's experience and continues to list important skills and certifications in bulleted lists that are easy to read.
Aviation Pilot Resume Example
Why this aviation pilot resume example is strong:
This resume emphasizes the candidate's relevant flight hours and experience in a structured format, making it easy for hiring managers to identify qualifications. For more tips on how to structure your resume, check out this guide on best resume formats.
Commercial Pilot Resume Example
Why this commercial pilot resume example is strong:
This resume effectively showcases the candidate's extensive flight hours and experience in cargo transport, appealing to employers in the commercial aviation sector. For tips on listing your skills, visit this guide on resume skills.
Student Pilot Resume Example
Why this student pilot resume example is strong:
This resume highlights the candidate's foundational skills and relevant experiences as a flight intern, making it appealing for entry-level aviation positions. For guidance on what to include in your resume, visit this resource on what to put on a resume.
Air Force Pilot Resume Example
Why this Air Force pilot resume example is strong:
This resume emphasizes the candidate’s military experience and specialized skills, making it appealing for roles requiring precision and leadership in aviation. For more tips on listing certifications and skills, check out this resource on how to list certifications on your resume.
Charter Pilot Resume Example
Why this charter pilot resume example is strong:
This resume highlights the candidate’s charter flight experience and customer service skills, appealing to potential employers in the private aviation sector. For tips on showcasing your experience, check out this guide on how to list your experience on a resume.
Corporate Pilot Resume Example
Why this corporate pilot resume example is strong:
This resume effectively showcases the candidate’s corporate aviation experience and client service focus, making it attractive for employers seeking professional pilots. For more insights on structuring your resume, visit this resource on best resume formats.
Pilot Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
How To Write a Pilot Resume
1. Write a compelling profile summarizing your qualifications
On a pilot resume, the profile summary should let a hiring manager know how much experience you have and what you’re trained to fly. It’s important to include the number of hours of flight time you’ve accumulated, which planes you’ve flown, and any other details relevant to the job, such as whether you prefer short- or long-distance flights. Look for opportunities to include keywords from the job description in this section, such as collaborating with the flight crews or handling changing weather conditions.
Senior-Level Profile Example
An airline pilot with over 5,000 hours of flight time specializing in flight planning, Airline Transport Pilot (ATP), flight operations, and FAA regulations. A strong history of planning and executing long-distance commercial flights under various weather conditions. Expertise in the operation and maintenance of Boeing 747-400 and Airbus A350 aircraft.
Entry-Level Profile Example
An airline pilot with over 1,500 hours of flight time, specializing in commercial flights, navigation, aviation, and flight safety. Adept at communicating and coordinating with flight teams in high-pressure situations to ensure the safety of passengers and flight crews.
2. Add an accomplishment-driven professional experience section
It’s important that your resume reflects your experience and skills as a pilot, and the bulk of this will happen in the professional work history section. This is where you list your previous (and current) job and what you accomplished in each role. While the basic duties may be the same, focus your bullets on numbers, such as how many flights you piloted and what was unique about that position. This helps hiring managers understand your background and whether you may fit their companies well.
Senior-Level Professional Experience Example
Pilot in Command (PIC)
Delta Airlines, Boston, MA | August 2016-present
- Execute over 400 successful cross-country flights as the PIC, determine cancellations and flight delays based on aircraft condition and weather, and identify optimal changes to flight plans to ensure the safety of crews and passengers
- Manage the second in command (SIC), air hostesses, and crews, ensure compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) and company policies, evaluate performance, and provide coaching and mentorship
- Communicate with passengers to deliver briefings on expected flight times, delays, scheduling changes, and weather conditions
Entry-Level Professional Experience Example
Second in Command
Air Charter Services, San Diego, CA | May 2018– July 2020
- Provided flight and navigation support to the PIC as the second officer, which included adjusting flight plans based on weather conditions and turbulence
- Performed safety inspections, interfaced with maintenance teams, and ensured adherence to federal aviation laws and regulations
3. Include relevant education and certifications
Showing you have the proper education and training to fly safely is an important part of creating a pilot resume. List any formal degrees you have and where you completed your flight training. Additional certifications, such as Certified FAA Airline Transport Pilot and Certified Flight Instructor, should also be included in this section to show a hiring manager you have extra skills and qualifications that make you a stronger candidate.
Education
Template
- [Degree Name]
- [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] – [Graduation Month and Year]
Example
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Aeronautical Science
- Legacy Aviation, Philadelphia, PA – May 2014
Certifications
Template
- [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
Example
- FAA First Class Medical, 2013
4. List relevant key skills and proficiencies
As a pilot, you have many technical skills in flying, but you also have to utilize other professional skills. It’s important to include a key skills list in your resume that lets you highlight your qualifications and abilities outside of the actual flying of the plane.
For example, pilots must be clear-headed and work well under pressure when inclement weather, an equipment failure, or a passenger causing a disturbance. Pilots also need strong leadership skills to manage the crew. Check out these examples if you need help listing things in this section.
| Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
|---|---|
| Aeronautical science | Aircraft technology |
| ATP | Aviation |
| Commercial aviation | Cross-country flights |
| Equipment maintenance | FAA First Class Medical |
| FAA regulations | FARs |
| Flight operations | Flight planning |
| Flight safety | Multi-engine |
| Navigation | PIC |
| Piloting | Preventative maintenance |
| Risk management | SIC |
| Spatial awareness | Turbine engine |
| Team management | |
How To Pick the Best Pilot Resume Template
Pilot resumes are slightly different from other resumes because you’ll list your hours of flight experience in addition to the everyday experience, education, and skills sections. Using a pilot resume template set up for this can make it easier to plug in your information and hit the submit application button. Your resume reflects you, so make sure any template you choose has a simple design that’s easy to skim and looks professional.
Frequently Asked Questions: Pilot Resume Examples and Advice
What are common action verbs for pilot resumes?-
Action verbs are strong verbs that help convey your qualifications and experience more effectively. But it can be challenging to develop a unique word every time you start another bullet, especially if you're an experienced pilot with a long work history. Use our list of common action verbs for pilot resumes below to spark your creativity and ensure every word on your resume positions you in a positive light.
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Assessed | Communicated |
| Conducted | Controlled |
| Coordinated | Ensured |
| Evaluated | Executed |
| Flew | Guided |
| Led | Managed |
| Monitored | Operated |
| Oversaw | Performed |
| Radioed | Resolved |
| Steered | Updated |
How do you align your resume with a job description?-
The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the piloting industry to continue to grow at an average rate through 2031. And while that's good news, pilot jobs are already competitive, which means this will likely continue to be the case. Ensure your resume gets noticed and is aligned with the job description by including skills, keywords, education, and even specific phrases from the job description. This helps your resume get in front of human eyes and gives you a better chance of a hiring manager identifying you as a good fit.
What is the best pilot resume format?-
Pilots have unique careers, which often require an impressive resume format. They need to focus on their technical skills and amount of experience but also show work history and soft skills. A combination resume that you can customize by adding sections for your flight hours is a good option that lets you take the best parts of the reverse chronological and functional designs and put them together.
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The final piece of your application packet should be a targeted cover letter that goes along with your resume. Your cover letter should explain why you're a good fit for the job and how you can provide value to the company. Remember that your cover letter should focus on how you can fill the company's needs — not what the job may mean for your career or development.
