Pilot Resume examples & templates

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Adam

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Copyable resume examples

Copyable Pilot Resume examples

The aviation industry is bouncing back faster than expected—with passenger demand hitting 94.2% of pre-pandemic levels in the first quarter of 2023. This resurgence has sparked a pilot hiring spree that hasn't been seen since the 1980s. Major U.S. carriers alone are projected to hire more than 12,000 pilots annually for the next five years, and that doesn't even account for the growing needs of cargo operators and international airlines. The retirement wave (remember when they pushed the mandatory retirement age from 60 to 65 back in 2007?) combined with early pandemic-era exits has created what some industry veterans are calling a "perfect storm" of opportunity.

For aspiring and current pilots, this shortage translates to faster career progression, improved work-life balance as airlines compete for talent, and compensation packages that would have seemed far-fetched just a decade ago. Regional captains are now jumping to majors in 2-3 years rather than the previous 8-10 year wait. The flight deck landscape is transforming, and those entering the profession now will shape aviation's future as new technologies and sustainability initiatives redefine what it means to command an aircraft.

Junior Pilot Resume Example

Connor J. Williamson

Salem, OR 97301 | (503) 555-2198 | c.williamson@pilotmail.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/connorwilliamson | FAA License: #582109448

Commercial pilot with 910+ flight hours including 750 hours PIC time. Trained in both single and multi-engine aircraft with instrument rating. Former flight instructor seeking to leverage exceptional situational awareness, communication skills, and technical knowledge in a regional airline position. Known for maintaining calm decision-making under pressure and strict adherence to safety protocols.

Experience

Flight Instructor – SkyWay Flight Academy, Salem, OR
June 2022 – Present

  • Provided comprehensive flight instruction to 27 students, with 92% first-time pass rate on check rides
  • Accumulated 490 hours of dual instruction given across Cessna 172, Piper PA-28, and Beechcraft BE-76
  • Developed personalized training plans focusing on students’ individual learning styles and challenging areas
  • Conducted ground school sessions covering aerodynamics, weather, navigation, and FAA regulations
  • Maintained detailed student progress records and coordinated with chief instructor on curriculum improvements

Charter Pilot (Part 135) – Pacific Northwest Air Charter, Portland, OR
January 2022 – June 2022

  • Operated Cessna 414 for on-demand charter flights throughout the Pacific Northwest region
  • Completed 73 revenue flights with 100% on-time departure record when weather permitted
  • Performed preflight inspections, weather briefings, and weight/balance calculations
  • Coordinated with dispatch and maintenance to ensure aircraft availability and airworthiness

Certified Flight Instructor Intern – Cascade Aviation Training, Eugene, OR
September 2021 – December 2021

  • Assisted senior instructors with ground school preparation and flight planning for students
  • Developed visual training aids and study materials for private pilot ground school
  • Practiced instructional techniques by conducting mock lessons under supervision
  • Gained 120 hours of supervised flight instruction experience

Education & Certifications

Bachelor of Science in Aviation – Western Oregon University, Monmouth, OR
Graduated: May 2021 | GPA: 3.78

FAA Certificates & Ratings:

  • Commercial Pilot Certificate (Single & Multi-Engine Land)
  • Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
  • Instrument Rating
  • Advanced Ground Instructor
  • First Class Medical Certificate (Current)

Skills

  • Aircraft Systems: Cessna 172/182/414, Piper PA-28/PA-44, Beechcraft BE-76
  • Navigation: VOR, ILS, GPS, Garmin G1000, ForeFlight
  • Radio Communications: ATC procedures, clearance interpretation
  • Weather Analysis: Interpreting METARs, TAFs, Prog Charts, Radar
  • Emergency Procedures: Engine failures, systems malfunctions, diversions
  • Crew Resource Management (CRM)
  • Flight Planning & Weight/Balance Calculations
  • FAR/AIM Knowledge
  • Microsoft Office Suite & Aviation Software

Additional Information

Flight Hours: 910 Total Time, 750 PIC, 490 Dual Given, 135 Multi-Engine, 210 Instrument

Professional Memberships: Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI)

Mid-level Pilot Resume Example

JACKSON MITCHELL

San Diego, CA | (619) 555-8742 | j.mitchell@pilotmail.com | linkedin.com/in/jacksonmitchell

Commercial pilot with 5+ years of experience flying regional and charter aircraft. Strong record of safe operations in diverse weather conditions across North America. Trained in both Airbus and Boeing systems. Seeking to leverage 2,750+ flight hours and exceptional crew resource management skills in a first officer position with a major airline.

EXPERIENCE

First Officer | SkyWest Airlines | June 2021 – Present

  • Pilot CRJ-900 regional jet on 70+ monthly commercial flights across western US and Canada
  • Maintained perfect safety record across 1,400+ flight hours in challenging mountain and coastal weather patterns
  • Collaborate with captains to perform pre-flight inspections, route planning, and fuel calculations
  • Handled aircraft control during 35% of flight time, including 87 landings at high-altitude airports
  • Recognized for exceptional passenger communication during 3 weather diversion scenarios

Charter Pilot | Pacific Coast Aviation | March 2019 – May 2021

  • Operated Cessna Citation CJ3 and King Air 350 for VIP charter services throughout California and Nevada
  • Accumulated 850+ flight hours while maintaining flexible schedule for on-demand client needs
  • Served as PIC on 60% of flights, managing all aspects of flight planning and passenger safety
  • Conducted thorough pre/post-flight inspections and worked directly with maintenance team
  • Developed expertise in coastal fog operations and desert landing conditions

Flight Instructor | West Coast Flight Academy | January 2018 – February 2019

  • Provided comprehensive flight instruction to 23 student pilots on Cessna 172 and Piper Archer aircraft
  • Logged 500+ instructional hours while teaching private, instrument, and commercial pilot curricula
  • Successfully prepared 14 students for FAA checkrides with 92% first-attempt pass rate
  • Created personalized training programs for students with diverse learning styles and backgrounds

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor of Science, Aeronautical Science
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | Graduated: December 2017

Certifications:

  • Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate
  • Type Ratings: CRJ-200/700/900, Citation 525
  • Certified Flight Instructor (CFI, CFII, MEI)
  • First Class Medical Certificate

SKILLS

  • Aircraft Systems: Bombardier CRJ Series, Cessna Citation, King Air, Airbus A320 (familiarization)
  • Flight Operations: High-altitude operations, coastal weather patterns, mountain flying
  • Technical: Garmin G1000, Collins Pro Line 21, ForeFlight, Jeppesen
  • Communication: Crew resource management, ATC communications, passenger relations
  • Languages: English (native), Spanish (conversational)
  • Emergency Procedures: Engine failures, diversions, cabin pressurization issues

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Total Flight Time: 2,750+ hours | PIC: 1,100+ hours | Cross-Country: 1,850+ hours | Instrument: 950+ hours

Volunteer pilot for Angel Flight West – completed 7 medical transport missions in 2022-2023

Senior / Experienced Pilot Resume Example

Daniel R. Moretti

Denver, CO 80202 • (303) 555-8179 • d.moretti@pilotmail.com • linkedin.com/in/danielmoretti

Commercial airline pilot with 12+ years of flight experience including 8,750+ hours of total flight time. FAA Airline Transport Pilot certification with type ratings for Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 aircraft. Known for exceptional situational awareness, calm decision-making under pressure, and strong crew leadership. Committed to the highest standards of safety and operational excellence throughout my career.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

First Officer → Captain, Mountain West Airlines
Denver, CO | August 2016 – Present

  • Promoted to Captain in 2019 after demonstrating exceptional technical proficiency and leadership during 3,200+ hours as First Officer
  • Command Boeing 737-800/900 aircraft on domestic and international routes with up to 174 passengers
  • Maintained perfect safety record across 1,250+ flights in challenging mountain/weather environments
  • Serve as Line Check Airman evaluating and mentoring new pilots during IOE (Initial Operating Experience)
  • Selected to assist in developing new SOP (Standard Operating Procedures) for winter operations at high-altitude airports
  • Received 2022 Safety Excellence Award for successful handling of dual hydraulic system failure

First Officer, Coastal Express
Seattle, WA | May 2013 – July 2016

  • Operated Embraer E175 regional jets on 60+ routes throughout Pacific Northwest
  • Accumulated 2,800+ hours operating in challenging coastal weather conditions
  • Collaborated with dispatch to optimize fuel efficiency, resulting in 4.3% reduction in overall fuel consumption
  • Served as union safety representative, advocating for improved fatigue management protocols

Flight Instructor, Blue Sky Aviation Academy
Phoenix, AZ | January 2011 – April 2013

  • Instructed 35+ students in single and multi-engine aircraft (Cessna 172, Piper Seminole)
  • Achieved 92% first-time pass rate for students taking FAA practical exams
  • Developed specialized training for mountain flying and desert operations
  • Logged 1,700+ instructional hours while mentoring new pilots on professional standards

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor of Science, Aeronautical Science
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott, AZ | Graduated: December 2010

Certifications:

  • Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) – Multiengine Land
  • Type Ratings: Boeing 737, Airbus A320
  • Commercial Pilot – Single Engine Land
  • Certified Flight Instructor (CFI, CFII, MEI)
  • First Class Medical Certificate

Advanced Training:

  • Advanced Qualification Program (AQP) Completed 2022
  • Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT) – 2021
  • Crew Resource Management Instructor Course – 2020
  • Winter Operations Specialist Certification – 2018

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

  • Aircraft Systems: Boeing 737-700/800/900, Airbus A320, Embraer E175, Cessna 172/182, Piper Seminole
  • Navigation Systems: FMS/EFIS/EICAS/ECAM, RNP/RNAV approaches, Cat III ILS
  • Communications: ACARS, CPDLC, international radio procedures
  • Weather Radar Interpretation & Tactical Weather Avoidance
  • Crew Resource Management & Threat and Error Management
  • Emergency Procedures & Non-normal Operations
  • International Flight Operations (Canada, Mexico, Caribbean)
  • FAR knowledge (Parts 91, 121, 135)
  • Fluent in English, conversational Spanish

How to Write a Pilot Resume

Introduction

Breaking into the aviation industry or advancing your pilot career requires more than just flight hours—you need a resume that lands as smoothly as you do. Your pilot resume is often your first impression with airlines and aviation employers, who may review hundreds of applications for a single position. I've helped countless pilots transform their qualifications into job offers, and I'm about to share the exact formula that works.

Resume Structure and Format

Pilots need clean, structured resumes that reflect the precision required in aviation. Keep these formatting guidelines in mind:

  • Length: 1-2 pages (1 page for pilots with under 5 years experience, 2 pages for senior pilots)
  • Format: Chronological format works best to showcase your flight experience progression
  • Font: Stick with readable fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman at 10-12pt
  • Margins: 0.5-1 inch all around (don't cram everything by shrinking margins)
  • File type: Save as PDF (named "FirstName_LastName_Pilot_Resume.pdf")
Make your contact info prominent! Include your email, phone number, location, and pilot license number at the top. Many pilots forget to add their total flight hours here—a quick reference that recruiters look for immediately.

Profile/Summary Section

Your summary should be brief (3-4 lines) but powerful, highlighting your license type, total flight hours, and key aircraft qualifications. For example:

FAA Commercial Pilot with 4,783 flight hours and Type Ratings in B737 and A320. 6+ years of experience with regional and commercial operations, including 2,100+ hours PIC time. Impeccable safety record with specialized experience in international routes across North America and Europe.

Professional Experience

This is the heart of your pilot resume. For each position:

  • List employer name, your title, and dates (month/year)
  • Include aircraft types flown and bases operated from
  • Specify exact flight hours accumulated in each role (total, PIC, SIC)
  • Highlight specific routes, operations, or conditions you've mastered
  • Mention any additional responsibilities (training, safety officer, etc.)

Example entry:

First Officer | SkyWest Airlines | March 2018 - Present
Aircraft: CRJ-700/900 | Base: Chicago O'Hare (ORD)
• Accumulated 3,247 hours in CRJ operations throughout North American routes
• Conducted 375+ operations in Category I ILS approaches in diverse weather conditions
• Served as Safety Committee representative, developing 2 new pre-flight procedures adopted company-wide
• Mentored 7 new First Officers through initial line training

Education and Certifications

List your licenses, ratings, and certifications first (most recent on top):

  • ATP Certificate with appropriate category and class ratings
  • Type ratings
  • Medical certificate class and date
  • Additional ratings (instrument, multi-engine, etc.)
  • College degrees (aviation-related degrees first)
  • Flight schools attended with graduation dates
  • Military flight training (if applicable)

Keywords and ATS Tips

Most airlines use Applicant Tracking Systems to filter resumes before human eyes see them. Include these terms naturally throughout your resume:

  • Specific aircraft models you're qualified on (B737, A320, etc.)
  • Technical terms: IFR, VFR, Part 121, Part 135, EFIS, GPWS
  • License types and ratings relevant to the position
  • Flight operation terms: cross-country, night flying, international
  • Soft skills: CRM, decision-making, communication, leadership

Industry-specific Elements

Unlike other professions, pilot resumes should include:

  • Flight hours table (broken down by aircraft type)
  • Currency status of medical certificate
  • Flight check history and dates
  • Incident/accident record (if clean, state "Clean flight record with zero incidents/accidents")
  • Special qualifications (mountain flying, float planes, aerobatics)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Fudging flight hours (the aviation community is smaller than you think!)
  • Omitting dates or gaps in employment without explanation
  • Using non-aviation jargon or unfamiliar acronyms
  • Including irrelevant personal information (hobbies unrelated to aviation)
  • Forgetting to update your medical certificate status

Remember, your pilot resume isn't just a document—it's the runway to your next opportunity. Take the time to make it precise, honest, and targeted to the specific airline or position you're applying for. Blue skies and tailwinds to your job search!

Soft skills for your Pilot resume

  • Decisive under pressure – consistently make quick decisions when faced with rapidly changing weather, equipment issues, or emergencies without sacrificing thoroughness
  • Cross-cultural communication skills developed through coordinating with ground crews, ATC, and cabin staff across different countries and time zones
  • Conflict resolution between crew members during extended international routes (once managed a heated dispute mid-flight between two flight attendants without passengers noticing)
  • Crew resource management – effectively delegate tasks during both routine operations and non-standard situations
  • Situational awareness that extends beyond flying – notice subtle behavioral changes in team members that might affect performance
  • Stress management techniques that work during high-workload phases of flight and irregular operations (snow, thunderstorms, etc.)

Hard skills for your Pilot resume

  • FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certification with type ratings for Boeing 737 and Airbus A320
  • 2,500+ hours of flight time including 750 hours of instrument flight experience
  • Flight Management System (FMS) programming and optimization
  • Advanced weather radar interpretation and turbulence avoidance techniques
  • Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) systems including Jeppesen FliteDeck Pro
  • CAT III approaches and low visibility operations
  • Current First Class Medical Certificate with no limitations
  • Proficiency in LIDO Route Manual navigation systems
  • Crew Resource Management (CRM) techniques with 5+ years implementing FAA-approved protocols