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Table of contents

Pilot resume examples
Choose an appropriate format for your pilot resume
How to write a pilot resume in 5 simple steps
Add a cover letter
Key takeaways for your pilot resume
Commonly asked questions

When you want your career to take off, writing a pilot resume can feel like a roadblock in the job search process. But we’re here to help!

Skip the turbulence typically associated with resume writing by following our step-by-step instructions on how to write a resume and using our library of professionally written resume examples as a guide.

Whether you’re writing a commercial pilot resume or are seeking your next role as a pilot for chartered flights, you’ll need to emphasize your aviation skills on your resume, including flight hours logged, special training, attention to detail and a strong understanding of aviation tools.

Read on to learn about:

Pilot resume samples for both experienced and new pilots.
Features of an excellent pilot resume.
Tips and tricks for writing pilot resumes.
What to include in every section of your pilot resume.
How to choose the right resume template and format for the role you seek.
How to choose the right pilot skills for your resume.

Or, to build your resume in minutes with none of the hassle, try our AI Resume Builder. There, you can choose a design of your liking and get advice and easy-to-edit, auto-generated text for every section.

Pilot resume examples

Entry-level pilot resume example

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What makes this a great pilot resume sample

Relevant training and certifications
This job seeker showcases her specialized education, training and certifications to make it clear that she is highly-trained and ready to get to work.
Strong skills sections
Because this applicant has limited work experience, she also used the majority of space on her resume to detail her skills and qualifications in multiple skills sections (Professional Skills and Summary of Qualifications). This applicant demonstrates that she has a set of transferable skills that will help her succeed in the role.
Limited (but relevant) work experience
While this job seeker has limited work experience, she does have some relevant experience, which she gained while interning at an airline and as a flight instructor. Including this will likely set her apart from other entry-level candidates.

Experienced pilot resume example

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What makes this a great pilot resume sample

Industry-appropriate resume template
This applicant chose a resume template that is conservative, which puts the spotlight on his long aviation career and its progression.
Proper resume format
Because this applicant has nearly 20 years of experience as a pilot, he has chosen to use a chronological resume format, which showcases his career trajectory from flight instructor to pilot.
Utilizes data and metrics
The content of this resume is strong, in part, because of the job seeker’s use of data and metrics. From his Professional Summary all the way down to his Skills section, this applicant shows employers what he is capable of by showing them his past results.

Browse other popular samples

Airline Pilot Cover Letter

Choose an appropriate format for your pilot resume

Aviation is a competitive field, so to land the job you want, you need to write a pilot resume that shows that you have the right training, skills and experience for the role. To do that, you’ll need to select the right resume format.

There are three different resume formats successful job seekers use:

Chronological: If you’re writing a pilot resume as an experienced applicant, consider utilizing a chronological resume format, which will highlight your work experience and showcase your strong career progression.
Functional: Applicants with less experience will want to put the focus on their transferable skills and should consider using a functional resume format, which highlights skills over work experience.
Combination: For midcareer professionals who want to showcase both relevant work experience and a strong skill set, the combination resume format offers the best of both worlds.

Visit our guide on how to format a resume to learn more about how to put your most relevant information front and center on your pilot resume.

Select a great resume template

Create your resume

Regardless of your level of experience, every pilot resume will have five basic sections — a header, a professional summary or resume objective, skills, work history and education. However, not all resumes will look the same. You can customize the look and feel of your pilot resume by selecting the right template.

Since aviation is a serious field, choosing a conservative resume template is appropriate. Consider one of our professional or modern resume templates, which are eye-catching yet understated. Or, browse our template library to see if one of our simple templates is more your style.

How to write a pilot resume in 5 simple steps

The secret to standing out when applying for competitive pilot roles is to personalize your resume for every application. Here’s how you do it.

Step 1

Study the pilot job description

A well-written pilot resume is customized to include keywords that show employers that you have what it takes to perform the role. Why is this important?

Many employers run resumes through applicant tracking systems (ATS) that screen out unqualified candidates based on preset keywords. If your resume doesn’t contain the right keywords, you’ll be eliminated before a human ever sees your resume. To make your resume ATS-friendly, you’ll need to customize it to the job description. That’s why if you’re able to successfully incorporate the right keywords, you’ll improve your chances of landing a job interview.

You may be asking yourself, “Each job is different. How do I know which keywords to use?”

Don’t worry — it’s easy.

While every pilot role is different, a good job ad should tell you everything you need to know about which keywords to add to your pilot resume. The key to success is to study the job description and make a list of critical keywords.

For example, if the job description for the pilot role you seek asks for and understanding of emergency procedures, problem solving skills, experience with strategic flight plan creation and expert knowledge of FAA regulations, you’ll want to be sure to use those exact words in your pilot resume. Look for opportunities in your professional summary, skills section and work experience section to add the keywords you’ve identified. Then, go through your resume and make sure what you wrote matches the wording in the job description so that the ATS recognizes it.

It may sound like a lot, but once you get used to the process, it should only take you a few minutes to do and will get your pilot resume better results than if you don’t tailor it.

Step 2

Write a professional summary or resume objective

Your pilot resume should include either a professional summary or a resume objective at the top. Which type of resume profile you choose will depend on your level of work experience. Less experienced applicants should choose a resume objective, which states your transferable skills and your goals for the role. Those with more direct pilot experience should use a professional summary, which outlines your skills and experience and highlights some of your most notable professional accomplishments.

Less experienced applicants should choose a resume objective, which states your transferable skills and your career goals. Those with more direct experience should use a professional summary, which outlines your skills and experience and highlights some of your most notable professional accomplishments.

Here are some strong examples for your pilot resume:

Pilot professional summary example:

Highly experienced pilot with a proven track record of exemplary performance and a strong commitment to safety. More than 10,000 flight hours, including both commercial and private aviation. Proficient in Boeing 737, Airbus A320, and Cessna Citation X aircrafts. Consistently demonstrate exceptional flight management skills and a keen understanding of aviation regulations and procedures. Reputation for having a strong focus on precision and efficiency. Successfully optimized flight operations by implementing strategic flight plans and managing resources effectively. Demonstrated proficiency in navigating challenging weather conditions and high-traffic airspace, resulting in on-time departures and arrivals.

Pilot resume objective example:

Goal-oriented and disciplined entry-level pilot with a strong foundation in aviation and eight years of military service seeking first commercial aviation role. Completed rigorous Air Force flight training, accumulating over 500 flight hours on various aircraft types, including rotary-wing and fixed-wing platforms. Proficient in flight planning, navigation and emergency procedures. Skilled in flight operations, aircraft maintenance and team collaboration. Demonstrated exceptional leadership abilities and a commitment to safety, honed through extensive military training and operational experience.

Step 3

Highlight your most relevant pilot skills

Whether you’re a career pilot or an entry-level applicant, hiring managers will be looking closely at the pilot resume skills you list. Skills for a pilot resume should be added to your resume skills section and woven throughout your professional summary (or resume objective) and into your work experience section.

Banking is a profession that requires a mix of hard and soft skills so it’s important to reflect that on your resume. Hard skillsare the technical and measurable skills needed to perform a job, like math.

Being a pilot is a profession that requires a solid mix of hard and soft skills so it’s important to reflect that on your resume. Hard skills are the technical and measurable skills needed to perform a job, like knowing how to fly a plane safely. Soft skills, on the other hand, are personality traits that make you great at your job, like knowing how to keep passengers calm during strong turbulence. To help you understand the difference between the two, we’ve created a side-by-side list of hard and soft skills to help you create a standout skills section.

Hard and soft skills for a pilot resume

Hard Skills

Knowledge of aircraft system
Use of aviation instrumentation
Emergency procedures
Navigation systems
Weather analysis
Business development

Soft Skills

Customer service
Stress management
Communication
Time management
Problem-solving
Leadership

Here is an example of a strong pilot skills section:

Safety and compliance
Expert knowledge of FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) regulations
Strategic flight plan creation
Resource management
Strong written and verbal communication
Team building
Emergency preparedness
Quick thinking
Decisive
Resourceful

Pro tip

Don’t underestimate the value of soft skills on your resume. While pilots require a lot of technical knowledge to perform their role, soft skills are critical to leading a flight crew and interacting with passengers. These skills are highly valued by employers, in part, because they are difficult to teach. For that reason, employers look for applicants with soft skills, even for roles that aren’t public facing.

Step 4

Write a strong pilot work experience section

While the background and experience required will be different for each pilot role, to get noticed you need to write a work experience section that demonstrates what you will bring to the table.

Here is an example of a great pilot work experience entry:

Senior Captain, ZYX Airlines – New York, NY
1/2020 – Present

Serve as a captain on both domestic and international routes, ensuring the safe and efficient transport of passengers and cargo.
Demonstrate outstanding situational awareness and decision-making abilities during challenging flights, including adverse weather and high-stress situations.
Mentor junior pilots, providing guidance and support to develop their skills and enhance their understanding of aviation best practices.
Conduct routine flight operations, including takeoff, landing and in-flight navigation.
Actively participate in crew resource management activities, promoting effective communication and teamwork.

Pro tip

Make your credentials pop by using data and metrics and descriptive action words to capture the attention of a hiring manager.

Step 5

Showcase your education and training on your pilot resume

While the educational requirements for becoming a pilot vary depending on the employer and the role, typically candidates for a pilot position need a bachelor’s degree in any field plus the required pilot training and licensing.

To list your education, start with the highest degree you have earned and work backward. Certifications can be listed at the end of the education section or in a special section with the header “Certifications.”

How to list your pilot education, licenses and certifications:

Education

Bachelor of Science, Engineering, Wingtown University – Hanes, NY
Expected May 2026

Airline Career Pilot Program,Blue Line Aviation, Smithfield, NC
2023

Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics & Aviation, The United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD
2020

Relevant Coursework: History of Flight, International Weather & Climate Systems, Airline Management, Aviation Maintenance Management, Aviation Operations Management, Airport Administration, Aviation Law, FAA Regulations

Licenses & Certifications:

Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
Epic Flight Academy – New Smyrna Beach, FL
Private Pilot License (PPL)
Stanford Flying Club – Palo Alto, CA
Certified Airline Transport Pilot
ATP Flight School, MacArthur Airport (ISP), Ronkonkoma, NY
CPR, First Aid, AED Certification and Training
American Red Cross – San Francisco, CA

Pro tip

Only list your date of graduation if you have recently completed your degree. Otherwise, adding dates could introduce age bias into the hiring process.

Optional sections for your pilot resume

Awards and honors

To land the pilot role you want, you have to outshine the competition. Adding awards and honors to your resume is a way to put a spotlight on your successes, even if you don’t have much work experience yet. From academic achievements to professional certifications and honors, awards can help showcase your dedication to your field and the level of expertise you’ll bring to the table if you get hired.

How to list awards on your pilot resume:

National Aeronautic Association (NAA) Award nominee
FAA Master Pilot Award
Boeing 737 Type Rating

Volunteer work

If you perform volunteer work, add it to your resume. Doing so could help you stand out, especially if your volunteer work is relevant to your field. Volunteer work shows potential employers that you are a well-rounded candidate with interests outside the workplace.

To list projects, use a header that lists the name of the project (or type of project) and then describe the results — doing so will show potential employers what you’ll bring to the table if you’re hired.

How to list volunteer work on your pilot resume:

Leadership Development Office: Participate in conducting leadership courses for new pilots, developing skills in team management, decision-making and effective communication.
Little League Coach: Coach Little League baseball every Saturday for 8-10 year olds.

Languages

As a pilot, the more people you can communicate with the better, which is why having the ability to speak multiple languages is a huge advantage in the job search. Whether you can hold a conversation or are fluent in another language, be sure to list it on your resume.

How to list languages on your pilot resume:

English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
Portuguese: Conversational

Interests and Hobbies

Adding hobbies to your pilot resume is appropriate as long as they are neutral — i.e. not religious or political in nature — or are relevant to your field. Used thoughtfully, adding interests and hobbies to your resume can show that you’re a well-rounded person and can emphasize your transferable skills, like creativity or leadership.

How to list interests and hobbies on your pilot resume:

Avid reader of books on aviation
Volunteer coach – Little League of Bayone, NY

Add a cover letter

Create your cover letter

Adding a cover letter to your pilot resume shows you are willing to go the extra mile, plus allows you more space to prove that you’re the person the company is looking for. Learning how to write a cover letter for a pilot job is a skill that can get you to the interview stage. Use our cover letter examples to see how a cover letter should be formatted and what to express in each part of the letter.

Or, if you want to skip the writing, use our professional Cover Letter Builder for a job-specific cover letter in minutes. Our builder offers professionally written text suggestions for every section of your document. Choose whether to use the content as-is or easily customize it to suit your needs.

Key takeaways for your pilot resume

Select the appropriate resume format

If you’re an entry-level pilot, consider using a functional or combination resume format to make your academics and skills shine. More experienced pilots should use a chronological resume format.
Choose an appropriate resume template

Most airlines and private transportation companies are conservative organizations. For that reason, most job seekers will want to choose a subdued resume design.
Study the job ad

Never use generic resume content when writing your pilot resume. Look to the job description for the specific skills and experience the employer is seeking and customize your resume to each job application.
Follow our simple resume-writing tips

By using our five simple steps, you’ll be able to quickly produce a standout resume.
Include extra resume sections

Especially for entry-level applicants who lack relevant work experience, adding extra sections is a great way to add depth to your resume.
Stand out with a cover letter

As someone seeking work in the airline industry, including a well-written cover letter can set you apart from the competition and increase your chances of landing a job interview.

Commonly asked questions

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Heather is the Content Strategy Manager for Resume Now and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than ten years of experience writing about job search and career topics. She is based in San Francisco.