Pilot Resume Examples (Template & 20+ Tips)

If you're aiming to become a pilot or already have experience in the field, having a polished and professional resume is essential for showcasing your skills and qualifications. In our pilot resume example article, we provide a sample resume template that you can use as a guide to create your own standout resume. Whether you're applying for a commercial airline or a private aviation company, our example will help you highlight your expertise and secure the job you desire.

We will cover:

How to write a resume, no matter your industry or job title.
What to put on a resume to stand out.
The top skills employers from every industry want to see.
How to build a resume fast with our professional Resume Builder.
Why you should use a resume template

Plus, we will provide expert resume writing tips and professional examples to inspire you.

What does a Pilot do?

Operate and control aircraft according to flight plans and air traffic control instructions
Monitor aircraft systems and performance during flight
Communicate with air traffic control and other aircraft
Ensure the safety and comfort of passengers
Make decisions during emergencies or unexpected events

We’re about to begin, but first, here are some other Pilot related resume examples:

What are some responsibilities of a Pilot?

Perform pre-flight inspection of the aircraft
Plan and monitor flight routes
Communicate with air traffic control
Operate aircraft controls and equipment
Monitor and adjust aircraft speed, altitude, and direction
Ensure the safety and comfort of passengers
Respond to in-flight emergencies
Maintain accurate records of flight time and fuel consumption

Sample Pilot Resume for Inspiration

Personal Details:

Name: John Smith
Address: 123 Main St, Anytown, USA
Email: johnsmith@email.com
Phone: (555) 123-4567

Summary:

John Smith is a highly experienced and skilled pilot with over 10 years of commercial flying experience. He has a strong track record of safety and reliability, and is dedicated to providing exceptional service to passengers and crew.

Work Experience:

Senior Pilot, ABC Airlines (2015 - Present) - Responsible for piloting commercial aircraft, ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers, and adhering to all safety regulations and protocols.
First Officer, XYZ Airlines (2010 - 2015) - Assisted captains in piloting commercial aircraft, performed pre-flight checks and maintenance, and communicated with air traffic control.

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Aviation, University of Aviation (2008)
Commercial Pilot License (CPL) - Certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

Skills:

Excellent communication and teamwork
Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
In-depth knowledge of aviation regulations and procedures
Proficient in operating various types of aircraft

Certifications:

Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) License
Flight Instructor (CFI/CFII) Certification
Instrument Rating (IR) Certification

Languages:

English - Native proficiency
Spanish - Conversational

Resume tips for Pilot

Creating a perfect, career-launching resume is no easy task. Following general writing rules can help, but it is also smart to get advice tailored to your specific job search. When you’re new to the employment world, you need Pilot resume tips.
We collected the best tips from seasoned Pilot - Check out their advice to not only make your writing process easier but also increase your chances of creating a resume that piques the interest of prospective employers.

Include your flight experience, including total number of hours flown and types of aircrafts used.
Highlight any relevant pilot certifications or licenses, such as an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license or specific type ratings.
Showcase any additional pilot training or education, such as completion of a flight school or aviation degree program.
Emphasize any specialized skills or qualifications, such as experience in instrument flying, night flying, or specific weather conditions.
Include any relevant work experience, such as previous employment with specific airlines or aviation companies.

Pilot Resume Summary Examples

A pilot resume summary or objective is essential to grab the attention of potential employers and make a strong first impression. It provides a brief overview of your skills, experience, and career goals, highlighting your qualifications for the position. This can help recruiters quickly understand your suitability for the job and decide to read the rest of your resume. A well-crafted summary or objective can significantly increase your chances of landing an interview.

For Example:

Experienced commercial pilot with over 5,000 hours of flight time
Instrument-rated with proficiency in operating various aircraft types
Proven ability to handle emergency situations with calm and precision
Strong communication and leadership skills
Dedicated to ensuring the safety and comfort of all passengers

Build a Strong Experience Section for Your Pilot Resume

A strong experience section is essential for a pilot resume because it showcases the candidate's aviation skills, knowledge, and expertise. It provides a potential employer with a detailed understanding of the candidate's flight experience, aircraft type ratings, and safety records. This section also helps demonstrate the candidate's ability to handle various flying conditions, emergency situations, and technological advancements in the aviation industry. A strong experience section can greatly influence an employer's decision to hire a pilot.

For Example:

Logged over 2,000 flight hours as a commercial pilot for a major airline
Experience flying various types of aircraft including Boeing 737 and Airbus A320
Performed pre-flight checks and post-flight inspections
Coordinated with air traffic control to ensure safe takeoffs and landings
Operated aircraft in various weather conditions, including fog and strong winds
Implemented emergency procedures in response to equipment malfunctions
Maintained clear and effective communication with cabin crew and ground staff
Participated in ongoing training and skill development as a professional aviator
Complied with all aviation regulations and safety standards during every flight
Received positive feedback from passengers and crew for professionalism and skill as a pilot

Pilot resume education example

Pilots typically need a bachelor's degree in aviation or a related field, although some may have a degree in a different field and complete specific flight training. They also need to complete a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved training program and obtain a commercial pilot's license. Additional ratings and certifications may be required depending on the type of aircraft and flying conditions the pilot will be working with. Ongoing training and education is also important for pilots to stay current with new regulations and technology.

Here is an example of an experience listing suitable for a Pilot resume:

Bachelor of Science in Aviation Technology - Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Commercial Pilot License - Federal Aviation Administration
Certified Flight Instructor - Federal Aviation Administration
Airline Transport Pilot License - Federal Aviation Administration

Pilot Skills for a Resume

It is important to add skills on a pilot resume because it showcases the pilot's abilities and qualifications, making them a more competitive candidate for a position. Including skills such as technical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, decision-making skills, communication, and teamwork, demonstrates their proficiency in flying an aircraft and ensuring the safety of passengers and cargo. This information helps potential employers make informed decisions about hiring the right candidate for the job.

Soft Skills:

Effective communication
Critical thinking
Teamwork
Problem-solving
Adaptability
Leadership
Time management
Flexibility
Conflict resolution
Decision making

Hard Skills:

Flight Planning
Aircraft Systems
Instrument Flying
Navigational Skills
Air Traffic Control
Emergency Procedures
Cockpit Resource Management
Aviation Regulations
Communication Skills
Decision Making

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Pilot Resume

In this competitive job market, employers receive an average of 180 applications for each open position. To process these resumes, companies often rely on automated applicant tracking systems, which can sift through resumes and eliminate the least qualified applicants. If your resume is among the few that make it past these bots, it must still impress the recruiter or hiring manager. With so many applications coming in, recruiters typically give each resume only 5 seconds of their attention before deciding whether to discard it. Considering this, it's best to avoid including any distracting information on your application that could cause it to be thrown away. To help make sure your resume stands out, review the list below of what you should not include on your job application.

Not including a cover letter. A cover letter is a great way to explain why you are the best candidate for the job and why you want the position.
Using too much jargon. Hiring managers do not want to read a resume full of technical terms that they do not understand.
Omitting important details. Make sure to include your contact information, educational background, job history, and any relevant skills and experiences.
Using a generic template. Take the time to customize your resume to the job you are applying for. This will show the employer that you are serious about the position.
Spelling and grammar errors. Always double-check your resume for typos, spelling mistakes, and grammar errors.
Focusing too much on duties. Make sure to include accomplishments and successes to show the employer that you are a great candidate.
Including personal information. Avoid including any personal information such as age, marital status, or religious beliefs.

Key takeaways for a Pilot resume

Include relevant flight experience and certifications
Showcase technical skills and proficiency in operating aircraft
Highlight safety record and adherence to regulations
Emphasize strong communication and decision-making abilities
List any additional training or specializations

It's time to begin the job search. Make sure you put your best foot forward and land your next job with the help of Resumaker.ai.