4 Pilot Resume Examples & Templates for 2024
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Airline pilots are highly trained professionals responsible for operating and navigating commercial aircraft. Their duties include conducting pre-flight inspections, planning flight paths, monitoring weather conditions, communicating with air traffic control, and ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers and crew during flights. Writing a good pilot resume for this profession is important because it showcases your qualifications in a way that effectively grabs and holds the recruiters’ attention.
We’ve analyzed over 11 million resumes created using our builder, and we’ve discovered that:
- Pilots usually list common skills such as decision-making, strong leadership abilities, professionalism, language fluency, and team building.
- Resumes for Pilots are, on average, 2 pages long.
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Pilot Resume Example
Jasmine Srivastava
Certified Commercial Airline Pilot
(929) 292-9292
jasmine.srivastava@gmail.com
linkedin.com/in/jasminesrivastava
Summary
Safety-oriented commercial airline pilot with 4 years of experience with medium-haul and long-haul flights. FAA ATP certificate. Total: 3500, PiC: 500, X-Country: 100, Night: 100. Rated on Airbus A320neo and Boeing B737 MAX. Seeking to move from domestic US travel to international flights as the new long-haul airline pilot for Gold Hawk Airlines.
Experience
Airline Pilot—First Officer
June 2022–July 2024
jetBlue Airways, Long Island City, NY & JFK International Airport, NY
Key Qualifications & Responsibilities
- Worked with second in command to ensure safe, timely, and comfortable flights and great passenger experience.
- Ensured health and safety standards were maintained throughout the flight according to international policies and airline regulations.
- Communicated effectively with the second officer, air traffic control, airline personnel, and cabin crew.
- Conducted checks on operational equipment, navigational controls, fuel levels, and communication tools to guarantee problem-free flights.
Key Achievements
- Won the “Friendliest Pilot” award from the passengers of JetBlue in 2018.
Cargo Pilot—Second Officer
June 2020–June 2022
Excellence Express, Memphis, TN
Key Qualifications & Responsibilities
- Flew regular cargo flights between Memphis and New York City, Memphis and Los Angeles, and Memphis and Dallas.
- Supported the Pilot in Command (Officer in Command) as the Second in Command, performing full piloting duties when necessary.
- Ensured all safety protocols and standards were met before, during, and after each flight.
Education
Airline Career Pilot Program
ATP Flight School, MacArthur Airport (ISP), Ronkonkoma, NY
Completion: 2020
Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics & Aviation
Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology, Flushing, NY
Graduation: 2018
Relevant Coursework: Airline Management, Flight Health & Safety, Aviation Maintenance Management, Aviation Operations Management, Airport Administration, Aviation Law, FAA Regulations, History of Flight, International Weather & Climate Systems.
Skills
- Advanced Mathematics & Physics
- Modern Aviation & Aircraft Technology
- Teamwork & Collaborative Skills
- Excellent Communication Skills
- Spatial Awareness
- Hand-Eye Coordination
- Management & Leadership Skills
- Ability to Remain Calm Under Pressure
Certifications
- FAA Airline Transport Pilot Certificate
- Commercial Certificate with Instrument and Multi-Engine Ratings
- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
- Certified Flight Instructor Instrument Rating (CFII)
- Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA)
- FAA Aviation Medical Certificate
Flight Time & Ratings
- Total flight time: 3500 hours
- As Pilot in Command: 500 hours
- As Second in Command: 1000 hours
- X-Country: 100+ hours
- Nighttime: 100+ hours
- Plane types: Airbus A320neo, Boeing B737 MAX
Airline Transport Pilot
- Airplane Multiengine Land And Sea
Commercial Privileges
- Airplane Single Engine Land And Sea
Memberships
- The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA)
- Women in Aviation International (WAI)
Languages
- Hindi: Native Proficiency
- Malayalam: Limited Working Proficiency
Entry-Level / Junior Pilot Resume Example
An entry-level or junior airline pilot is typically new to the field and is gaining experience in commercial aviation. They’re eager to learn and contribute to the team while developing their flying skills. Here's a resume sample for an entry-level airline pilot.
Ethan L. Williams
Airline Pilot
(555) 123-4567
ethan.l.williams@email.com
linkedin.com/in/ethan-l-williams
Summary
Dedicated and safety-focused airline pilot with 3 years of experience in commercial aviation. Proven ability to operate aircraft efficiently while ensuring passenger safety and comfort. At SkyHigh Aviation, logged over 1,500 flight hours and maintained an impeccable safety record. Known for strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and excellent communication abilities. Eager to leverage flying expertise and commitment to safety in a Pilot role to contribute to the success of Blue Skies Airlines.
Experience
First Officer
SkyHigh Aviation, Los Angeles, CA
June 2021–July 2024
Key Qualifications & Responsibilities
- Assisted the Captain in operating the aircraft, including takeoff, in-flight navigation, and landing procedures.
- Conducted pre-flight inspections to ensure the aircraft's systems and equipment were functioning properly.
- Monitored weather conditions and communicated with air traffic control to ensure safe and efficient flight operations.
- Provided excellent customer service to passengers, addressing their concerns and ensuring a comfortable flight experience.
- Collaborated with the flight crew to manage emergency situations and ensure passenger safety.
- Maintained accurate flight logs and reports, documenting flight hours, incidents, and maintenance issues.
Key Achievement:
- Logged over 1,500 flight hours with an impeccable safety record, contributing to the airline's reputation for reliability and safety.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Aviation
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL
September 2017–June 2021
Skills
- Aircraft Operation
- Flight Navigation
- Weather Analysis
- Emergency Management
- Customer Service
- Communication
- Attention to Detail
- Team Collaboration
Flight Time & Ratings
- Total flight time: 1,500 hours
- As Pilot in Command: 300 hours
- As Second in Command: 1,200 hours
- X-Country: 200+ hours
- Nighttime: 150+ hours
- Plane types: Airbus A320, Boeing B737
Certifications
- Commercial Pilot License (CPL), Federal Aviation Administration, 2021
- Instrument Rating (IR), Federal Aviation Administration, 2021
Languages
- English—Native
- Spanish—Intermediate
Middle Pilot Resume Example
A middle-level pilot has a few years of experience in the field and is proficient in various piloting techniques and aviation operations. They have developed a good understanding of commercial aviation and can handle more complex flight scenarios. Here's a middle-level pilot resume sample that I’ve created.
Lucas M. Brown
Cargo Pilot
(555) 234-5678
lucas.m.brown@email.com
linkedin.com/in/lucas-m-brown
Summary
Experienced and safety-oriented cargo pilot with 8 years of experience in commercial aviation. At Blue Skies Cargo, accumulated over 3,000 flight hours and maintained a perfect safety record. Skilled in flight operations, navigation, and emergency procedures. Eager to support Horizon Cargo in providing safe and reliable air transport. Known for excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to safety. Ready to bring extensive expertise to enhance the operational excellence at Horizon Cargo.
Experience
Captain
Blue Skies Cargo, New York, NY
August 2018–July 2024
Key Qualifications & Responsibilities
- Led flight operations, ensuring the safe and efficient transport of cargo during all phases of flight.
- Conducted thorough pre-flight and post-flight inspections, ensuring the aircraft's readiness and compliance with safety standards.
- Communicated with air traffic control to coordinate flight paths and ensure efficient navigation.
- Managed in-flight emergencies and implemented safety protocols to ensure the safety of the crew and cargo.
- Provided training and mentorship to junior pilots, promoting a culture of safety and excellence.
- Maintained detailed flight logs and records, documenting flight hours, incidents, and maintenance needs.
Key Achievement:
- Accumulated over 3,000 flight hours with a perfect safety record, enhancing the airline's reputation for reliability and safety.
First Officer
Metro Cargo, New York, NY
July 2016–July 2018
Key Qualifications & Responsibilities
- Supported the Captain in flight operations, including takeoff, navigation, and landing.
- Monitored weather conditions and communicated with air traffic control to ensure safe flight operations.
- Conducted pre-flight inspections and ensured the aircraft was equipped with the necessary supplies and safety equipment.
- Provided excellent service in the transport and handling of cargo, ensuring timely and secure deliveries.
- Collaborated with the flight crew to manage emergencies and ensure the safety of the crew and cargo.
Key Achievement:
- Recognized for exceptional performance and promoted to Captain within two years, demonstrating leadership and expertise.
Education
Master of Science in Aeronautics
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL
September 2014–June 2016
Bachelor of Science in Aviation
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL
September 2010–June 2014
Skills
- Flight Operations
- Cargo Handling
- Aircraft Navigation
- Weather Analysis
- Emergency Procedures
- Pilot Training
- Communication
- Team Leadership
- Attention to Detail
Flight Time & Ratings
- Total flight time: 3,000 hours
- As Pilot in Command: 1,000 hours
- As Second in Command: 2,000 hours
- X-Country: 500+ hours
- Nighttime: 250+ hours
- Plane types: Boeing B747, Airbus A330
Certifications
- Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), Federal Aviation Administration, 2019
- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Federal Aviation Administration, 2016
Languages
- English—Native
- French—Intermediate
Experienced / Senior Pilot Resume Example
An experienced or senior airline pilot has extensive experience in the field and is highly skilled in managing flight operations, ensuring safety, and leading flight crews. They’re capable of handling complex flight scenarios and providing exceptional service. Below you can check out a resume sample for a senior airline pilot.
Nathan R. Thompson
Senior Airline Pilot
(555) 345-6789
nathan.r.thompson@email.com
linkedin.com/in/nathan-r-thompson
Summary
Accomplished and strategic senior airline pilot with 14 years of experience in commercial aviation. At Stellar Airlines, led the flight crew to achieve a perfect safety record and excellent on-time performance. Logged over 7,500 flight hours. Adept at managing complex flight operations, ensuring passenger safety, and providing exceptional service. Known for strong leadership abilities, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills. Committed to enhancing the safety and efficiency of flight operations, ready to leverage vast expertise to contribute to the success of Pinnacle Airlines.
Experience
Senior Captain
Stellar Airlines, Chicago, IL
April 2015–July 2024
Key Qualifications & Responsibilities
- Led flight operations, ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers during all phases of flight.
- Conducted thorough pre-flight and post-flight inspections, ensuring the aircraft's readiness and compliance with safety standards.
- Communicated with air traffic control to coordinate flight paths and ensure efficient navigation.
- Managed in-flight emergencies and implemented safety protocols to ensure passenger and crew safety.
- Provided training and mentorship to junior pilots, promoting a culture of safety and excellence.
- Maintained detailed flight logs and records, documenting flight hours, incidents, and maintenance needs.
Key Achievement:
- Led the flight crew to achieve a perfect safety record and excellent on-time performance, enhancing the airline's reputation for reliability and safety.
Captain
Prime Aviation, Chicago, IL
June 2010–March 2015
Key Qualifications & Responsibilities
- Supervised flight operations, including takeoff, navigation, and landing.
- Conducted pre-flight inspections and ensured the aircraft was equipped with the necessary supplies and safety equipment.
- Managed in-flight emergencies and implemented safety protocols to ensure passenger and crew safety.
- Provided excellent customer service to passengers, addressing their needs and concerns.
- Collaborated with the flight crew to ensure smooth and efficient flight operations.
Key Achievement:
- Implemented new safety procedures that improved overall flight safety and efficiency, resulting in a 25% reduction in incidents.
Education
Doctor of Aviation Management
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
September 2006–June 2010
Master of Science in Aeronautics
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
September 2004–June 2006
Bachelor of Science in Aviation
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
September 2000–June 2004
Skills
- Flight Operations
- Safety Management
- Aircraft Navigation
- Emergency Procedures
- Pilot Training
- Team Leadership
- Communication
- Attention to Detail
Flight Time & Ratings
- Total flight time: 7,500 hours
- As Pilot in Command: 3,500 hours
- As Second in Command: 4,000 hours
- X-Country: 1,000+ hours
- Nighttime: 500+ hours
- Plane types: Boeing B787, Airbus A350
Certifications
- Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), Federal Aviation Administration, 2010
- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Federal Aviation Administration, 2006
Languages
- English—Native
- Italian—Intermediate
Resume Templates for Pilots
After analyzing 11 million resumes using the Zety Resume Builder, these are airline pilots' top 3 resume template choices.
Cascade
The Cascade resume template is particularly effective for airline pilots due to its streamlined, dual-column layout. This template's design prioritizes clarity by separating personal details and professional experience, making it easy for recruiters to find what they need quickly. I appreciate the ample space it provides for detailing flight hours, certifications, and specialized training. This minimalistic resume template helps emphasize your technical skills and career milestones without any visual clutter, making your qualifications stand out.
Concept
The Concept resume template is ideal for airline pilots who seek a modern and comprehensive design. Its unique single-column layout, combined with a distinctive sidebar, prominently showcases your contact information and key skills. I find the spacious main section perfect for listing detailed flight experiences and professional accomplishments. This visual resume template's contemporary aesthetic and organized structure help draw attention to your proficiency with advanced flight systems and commitment to safety protocols. The Concept template ensures that your resume is both stylish and functional, capturing the attention of hiring managers.
Diamond
Diamond’s two-column design effectively divides personal details and a professional summary on one side, with extensive sections on flight experience, education, and certifications on the other. What sets this unique resume template apart is its subtle visual elements, like bullet points and section dividers, which guide the reader through your career achievements and technical expertise. The Diamond template’s elegant format is perfect for highlighting your qualifications, ensuring a professional and polished appearance.
How to Write a Pilot Resume:
1. Choose the Best Format for Your Airline Pilot Resume
The Delta Air Lines slogan is “Keep Climbing.” Want your airline career to keep climbing? Then—it all starts with formatting your aviation resume template in an organized, easy-to-understand way.
Here’s how to format a pilot resume template:
- In your professional header, start with your resume contact information.
- Use legible heading titles to split up your sections of a resume.
- Use the standard resume format: the reverse chronological resume template.
- Choose the best font for a resume, and play around with font size and bolding to make it stand out effectively.
Pro Tip: Save your resume format in PDF unless the airline pilot job description explicitly requests one as a Microsoft Word document.
2. Create the Pilot Job Description for an Airline Resume
Whether writing a resume for FedEx pilot jobs or Delta Air Lines careers, the relevant work experience on your pilot resume needs to be listed correctly.
So—
Here’s how to write a pilot job description on an aviation resume:
- Go in reverse chronological order, placing your most recent job first.
- Add your job title at the top of each entry, then the dates you were employed, and the company name and location.
- Provide 5 or 6 bullet points detailing the most impressive aspects of your flight responsibilities.
- Add one or two achievements you’re proud of, using numbers, to prove you’re as awesome as your resume suggests.
I’ve prepared some sample pilot responsibilities you can take inspiration from for your resume:
Airline Pilot Keywords for a Resume
- Operate and navigate commercial aircraft, ensuring safe and efficient flights.
- Conduct pre-flight and post-flight inspections to ensure aircraft safety and readiness.
- Monitor and adjust flight parameters, such as altitude, speed, and fuel consumption, to optimize performance.
- Communicate effectively with air traffic control (ATC) to receive instructions and provide flight status updates.
- Prepare and review flight plans, considering weather conditions, air traffic, and other factors.
- Ensure compliance with all aviation regulations and company policies.
- Manage in-flight emergencies, making quick and informed decisions to ensure passenger safety.
- Collaborate with co-pilots, flight attendants, and ground crew to ensure smooth operations.
- Provide excellent customer service, addressing passenger concerns and ensuring a comfortable flight experience.
- Stay updated with the latest advancements in aviation technology and best practices.
When creating bullet points for your resume work experience section, use power verbs to start each one. This will make your resume more impactful. Check out the examples below:
Airline Pilot Resume Action Verbs
- Operated
- Navigated
- Conducted
- Monitored
- Communicated
- Prepared
- Ensured
- Managed
- Collaborated
- Provided
Pro Tip: Tailor your resume to this one specific airline and pilot job. Generic resumes can successfully land in just one place—the recruiter’s bin.
3. Make Your Pilot Resume Education Section Soar
Next stop: listing education on a resume. Keep these rules in mind to get it right:
- List your most advanced degree first, then the one before it, in reverse chronological order.
- Add your major, the school name and location, graduation date, and any coursework relevant to aviation jobs.
- Don’t add high school on a pilot resume, unless you don’t have a completed college degree.
Pro Tip: Your pilot flight school experience is more important than a bachelor’s degree for pilot jobs (though you usually need a bachelor’s degree, as well). So, add your flight school program first, followed by any traditional university courses beneath.
4. Highlight Your Pilot Skills on an Aviation Resume
Airline and commercial pilot jobs are projected to increase by 4% between 2022–2032. That’s 5,600 new aviators challenging you for this job. That’s why you need to impress the airline by listing the right aviation resume skills and piloting abilities for this airline job.
So—how do you stand out? By tailoring your pilot resume (like we mentioned earlier). That means you can’t just take our list or any list of aviation skills off the internet and put it straight into your resume for pilot jobs.
Rather, here’s what to do:
- Write down all of the professional skills you possess that are related to being a commercial pilot.
- Include a healthy mix of both soft and hard skills.
- Look at the job responsibilities in the pilot job ad to find the best resume keywords.
- If there’s a match, add it to your private pilot resume or corporate pilot resume.
- Stick to the wording they use in the job ad to be as safe as possible when it comes to any ATS. The ATS (applicant tracking system) is software that reads your resume first, and if your resume is not ATS-friendly and they don’t understand what you wrote, then no job for you.
Below, you’ll find some examples of pilot skills for your resume.
Pilot Skills Resume Examples
- Great Understanding of Mathematics & Physics
- Modern Aviation Technology & Instrumentation
- Teamwork & Collaborative Skills
- Excellent Communication Skills
- Attention to Detail
- Spatial Awareness & Hand-Eye Coordination
- Ability to Stay Calm Under Pressure
- Situational Awareness
- Environmental Awareness
- Quick-Thinking Skills
- Weather Systems & Weather-Based Decisions
- Excellent Communication Abilities
- Project Management Abilities
- Interpersonal Abilities
- Decision-Making Abilities
- Technical Abilities
- Time Management Abilities
- Problem-Solving Abilities
- Leadership Abilities
- Management Abilities
- Teamwork Abilities
- Critical Thinking Abilities
- Creative Thinking Abilities
Read more: Transferable Skills: Definition & The Best Examples for Your Resume
6. Add Other Sections to Your Airline Pilot Resume
Do you know the awe you feel as you fly on a gray, rainy day and finally break through the clouds? Your pilot resume should be just like that, an epiphany, far above the other pilot candidates. And extra resume sections give exactly that effect.
Here are great additions for a resume for piloting and airline jobs:
- Professional certifications (e.g., flight, safety)
- Foreign language skills
- Awards & commendations
- Pilot flight time
- Pilot ratings (Multi-Engine, Single Engine, Instruments)
- Aviation associations and airline organization memberships
- Hobbies and interests
- Volunteer work
For flight hours, there are several things you may include on a pilot resume template:
Pilot Resumes Examples—Flight Hours
- Total flight time (in hours)
- Flight hours as Pilot in Command
- Flight hours as Second in Command
- Flight hours on a specific plane model type
- Flight hours on cross-country (“x-country”) trips
- Flight hours during nighttime
- Turbojet hours
- Turboprop hours
- Instructor pilot hours
Pro Tip: Unlike resumes for other vocations, pilot resumes must be sent with supporting documentation. This will include your licenses, copies of your flight ratings, passport, medical records, and more.
6. Write An Airline Resume Objective or Summary Statement
An airline pilot resume objective or summary, also called a resume profile, is a short paragraph introducing you to them, like an elevator pitch. It gives airline employers a short introduction to your flight experience, aviation skills, and airline background.
Are you a seasoned veteran of the friendly skies? Choose the resume career summary.
The summary statement on a resume for airline jobs promotes you by listing your flying achievements, aircraft skills, and airline employment history.
New to this particular level of pilot work? Choose the resume career objective.
The airline pilot resume objective offers your flight career goals instead of your history, but it also gives a numbered accomplishment to prove you’re a top gun.
Pro Tip: Write the heading statement last because choosing the best inclusions is easier when the rest of the airline pilot resume is written first.
7. Attach a Pilot Cover Letter to Your Airline Resume
How important are cover letters for airline jobs? Well, 83% of hiring managers believe that a cover letter is important in making hiring decisions.
Here’s how to write a pilot cover letter they’ll appreciate:
- Figure out the covering letter format before writing begins.
- Start with a compelling cover letter intro.
- Show them why you’re the best pilot for the job.
- Explain that this job is perfect for you.
- Add key, quantifiable achievements to seal the deal.
- Close with a cover letter ending including a strong call to action.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to follow up on your application by sending them an email after waiting at least a week. While you’re waiting, prepare for the interview!
Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here's what it may look like:
See more cover letter templates and start writing.
Looking for good veteran jobs, or maybe interested in other jobs in transportation? Check out these guides:
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