9 Pilot Resume Examples and Templates for 2025
Soar above the competition with our pilot resume examples. Learn how to write a top-notch pilot resume with advice from certified resume writers.
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Pilot resume summary examples
When writing a resume for an aviation role, the resume summary is the first section to tackle.
To quickly capture the recruiter’s attention, you should introduce yourself by sharing your most relevant qualifications, experiences and skills.
Your resume summary consists of two to five sentences and should include:
- Your current position or level of experience
- Your total flight hours
- Certifications
- Type ratings
- Special endorsements
- Area of expertise
- Specialized skills
If you’re a recently certified pilot with little experience in the air, you will benefit from writing a resume objective instead.
Here are two examples of good and bad airline pilot resume summary examples for you to compare:
Good example:
“Experienced and safety-focused commercial pilot with over 6,000 flight hours across domestic and international routes. Proficient in operating Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 aircraft with strong background in IFR operations. Holds ATP certification, with type ratings in both Boeing and Airbus models and current FAA First-Class Medical Certificate. Dedicated to maintaining highest safety standards and committed to ongoing professional development, ensuring smooth and efficient operations in all phases of flight.”
Why this example works:
- Clearly states the pilot’s extensive flight hours and specific aircraft expertise
- Highlights essential certifications and specialized skills, showing the pilot’s readiness for the role
- Emphasizes a strong safety focus and ongoing professional development, which are crucial qualities in aviation
Bad example:
“Pilot with some experience flying various planes. Worked for a few airlines and have a pilot’s license. Interested in flying more and learning new things. I’m passionate about aviation and want to join your team.”
- This resume profile is vague and lacks specific qualifications necessary for employers to assess the candidate’s skills.
- The tone is casual and lacks professionalism, with phrases like “flying more and learning new things” that don’t convey readiness or competence for a high-responsibility role.
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Pilot resume work experience examples
The key to landing a job at a big airline like American, Delta or United is to write an achievement-packed resume work experience section.
Organize your work history in reverse-chronological order. Include details such as your job title, airline company, base location (city and state), and dates of employment.
Ensure your resume can bypass applicant tracking systems (ATS) by including keywords from the job description that match your skill set, quantifying your achievements and starting your statements with action verbs.
Good example:
Captain
American Airlines, Dallas, TX
March 2018 – Present
- Operated Boeing 777 aircraft on long-haul international routes, ensuring safe and efficient flight operations in compliance with FAA regulations and company protocols.
- Logged over 5,000 flight hours, including 3,000 hours as Pilot-in-Command on international flights to Europe, Asia and South America.
- Implemented fuel-saving strategies that reduced fuel consumption by 3% per flight, contributing to cost savings and environmental sustainability.
Why this example works:
- Provides clear details about the pilot’s achievements, demonstrating their suitability for the role
- Quantifies achievements by sharing the exact number of flight hours and percentages to illustrate improvements
- The accomplishments and qualifications are tailored to the specific role this candidate applied for
Bad example:
Pilot
Airline Company, Various Locations
2018 – Present
- Flew planes to different locations.
- Worked with other crew members to make sure flights were on time.
- Kept the plane safe during flights.
- Had an excellent safety record.
- Helped reduce costs by using less fuel.
Why this example fails:
- The entry is vague, lacking details about the type of aircraft flown, the nature of the routes or specific responsibilities.
- While the entry mentions a “good safety record” and “helped reduce costs,” these points are not backed up with metrics.
- Generic language like “Flew planes to different locations” and “Kept the plane safe during flights” are overly simplistic and do not convey the complexity of the pilot’s duties.
Pilot resume skills examples
Pilots must possess a wide range of skills to successfully command large aircraft. From hard skills like fuel calculation and emergency response to soft skills like stress management and leadership, here are some you’ll find in our pilot resume examples.
- Aircraft operation proficiency (e.g., Boeing 737, Airbus A320)
- Instrument flight rules (IFR) Proficiency
- Navigation and flight planning
- Communication skills (with ATC, crew, and passengers)
- Crew resource management (CRM)
- Leadership and decision-making
- Situational awareness
- Emergency response and procedures
- Regulatory compliance (FAA, international aviation laws)
- Technical troubleshooting and systems knowledge
- Fuel management and efficiency
- Weather interpretation and decision-making
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Time management and punctuality
- Cultural sensitivity and global awareness
- Conflict resolution and emotional intelligence
- Advanced avionics and autopilot systems operation
- Safety and risk management
Pro Tip: List six to eight skills in your main skills section. Include additional skills in the resume summary, work experience or additional skills section.
Examples of additional sections for a pilot resume
Your pilot resume’s five sections will include: contact information, resume summary, work experience, skills and a robust education section detailing your aviation training.
You may customize your resume by adding additional sections to showcase all your pilot qualifications.
Some of the most relevant sections you’ll find in our pilot resume examples are:
- Certifications
- Training
- Licenses
- Volunteer work
- Additional skills
- Awards and honors
- Military service
- Professional affiliations
- Publications
- Speaking engagements
- Languages
- References (if required)
How to format your pilot resume
Your aviation resume layout makes it easy for hiring managers to quickly find the information they need about you. Choose from three recruiter-approved resume formats: chronological, functional and combination.
Here are three pilot resume templates in each format:
How to choose a resume format
0-3
Years of experience
Functional formats
- Focus on skills.
- Best for first-time teachers who lack work experience.
- Good for people re-entering the workforce.
- May omit dates in the work history section.
Organization:
- Skills listed above work experience.
3-10
Years of experience
Combination formats
- Balances skills and work history.
- Ideal for mid-career teachers.
- Suitable for career changers and people seeking promotion.
Organization:
- Skills next to or above work experience.
10+
Years of experience
Chronological formats
- Puts the most focus on work history.
- Best for teachers with a long, steady career.
- Most popular format.
- Preferred by recruiters
Organization:
- Work experience listed above skills.
Once you’ve determined the best resume format for your situation, choosing a pilot resume template is easy! Our resume templates are professionally designed, customizable and downloadable.
Wow employers with a pilot cover letter
If you want to get ahead of the competition, a cover letter will help you convey all you have to offer beyond what you can fit on your resume.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), over 5,000 new pilot positions are expected to open by 2032.
Your cover letter should complement your resume. Don’t repeat the same skills and experiences in your resume, but you can provide more context about a particularly impressive achievement.
You can also weave a compelling story about your journey into becoming a pilot, obstacles and all. If you’re not exactly a word guru, our How to Write a Cover Letter article will give you free advice.
Is time of the essence in your current job search? We’ve got you! Try our Cover Letter Generator and get a personalized letter in 15 minutes!
Draw inspiration from our cover letter examples, or start with our professional cover letter templates.
Related resume samples
Want to see more pilot resume examples? We’ve got you covered!
More Professional Pilot resume examples
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