Pilot Resume Examples with Guide

Crafting a standout pilot resume is essential for any aviation professional looking to secure a new position.

A well-structured document highlights not only your flight hours and certifications but also showcases your ability to ensure safety, navigate complex situations, and work as part of a team.

In this article, we’ll explore various pilot resume examples, providing valuable tips to help you create an application that captures your qualifications, experience, and skills in a way that resonates with potential employers.

Pilot resume examples

• Commercial pilot resume
• Air ambulance pilot resume
• Recreational pilot resume
• Search and rescue pilot resume
• Low time pilot resume

Commercial pilot resume template

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 Commercial pilot resume sample | Plain text

Steven Phillips

Milwaukee, WI 53213
Email: steven.phillips@gmail.com
Phone: (414) 555-6789

Objective

Highly skilled and safety-focused Commercial Pilot with over 5,000 flight hours in various aircraft models, including Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. Proven ability to manage high-pressure situations, ensure passenger and crew safety, and navigate complex flight paths.

Flight Experience

Delta Airlines, Atlanta, GA

First Officer — Boeing 737, January 2018 – Present

• Collaborate with flight crew to ensure compliance with FAA regulations, safety protocols, and airline standards.
• Execute pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight procedures, ensuring aircraft readiness, fuel checks, and passenger safety.
• Maintain communication with air traffic control and coordinate with ground crew for smooth operations.
• Manage inflight emergencies and adverse weather conditions, ensuring timely and safe arrival at destinations.

American Eagle, Chicago, IL

Captain — Embraer ERJ-145, March 2014 – December 2017

• Commanded regional jet flights with up to 50 passengers across domestic routes, logging 1,800+ flight hours.
• Provided leadership to the crew, managed flight plans, and ensured adherence to all safety and operational guidelines.
• Conducted risk assessments, coordinated emergency procedures, and managed crew resource management (CRM) strategies.

Flight Instructors International, Milwaukee, WI

Flight Instructor — Cessna 172, Piper PA-28, July 2010 – February 2014

• Trained and mentored over 50 student pilots, helping them obtain their private and commercial licenses.
• Developed and implemented comprehensive lesson plans, including briefings, practical flying exercises, and post-flight assessments.
• Logged over 1,000 instructional hours, maintaining a 100% safety record during training flights.

Certifications and Licenses

• FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) License — Issued: November 2020, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
• Type Rating: Airbus A320 (May 2022, FAA), Embraer ERJ-145 (March 2021, FAA)
• FAA Commercial Pilot License, Single-Engine and Multi-Engine Land — Issued: February 2019, FAA

Skills

• Proficient in aircraft systems: Boeing 737, Airbus A320, Embraer ERJ-145
• Expertise in flight planning, navigation, and fuel management
• Excellent decision-making and situational awareness
• Familiar with advanced weather systems and inflight emergency procedures
• Leadership and CRM

Education

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL

Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics

Graduated: May 2010

Flight Hours

• PIC Hours: 2,000+
• SIC Hours: 3,000+
• Jet Experience: 3,500+
• Instructor Hours: 1,000+

How to format an aviation resume?

• Use professional fonts such as Arial, Calibri, Verdana, or Times New Roman.
• Font size should typically be 10-12 points for the body text, and 14-16 for headings and your name.
• Avoid decorative or overly creative fonts, as they can detract from legibility.
• Apply single spacing for text and leave a blank line between sections to break up the content.
• Set margins to 1 inch on all sides for a spacious look. If space is tight, you can reduce them to 0.75 inches.
• For most pilots, especially those with significant experience, aim for a 1-2 page resume.
• Keep the style uniform throughout the draft. Align all text properly—make sure bullets, dates, and titles line up to maintain a clean appearance.
• Start each bullet point with strong active verbs to make your achievements sound impactful.
• Add aviation-specific terminology when appropriate. Include common terms like PIC, SIC, CRM, IFR, and VFR.
• Place the most important and relevant information at the top.

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Air ambulance pilot resume example

Tamara Wilson

Sacramento, CA 95815
Email: tamara.wilson@gmail.com
Phone: (916) 555-1234

Resume Summary

Experienced and compassionate Pilot with over 3,500 flight hours in high-stress, emergency medical service environments. Proficient in rotor-wing aircraft such as the Bell 429 and fixed-wing aircraft like the King Air 200. Adept at operating in IFR and VFR conditions, executing critical medical transport missions under tight time constraints.

Flight Experience

Reach Air Medical Services, Sacramento, CA

Air Ambulance Pilot — Bell 429, March 2021 – June 2024

• Piloted emergency medical service (EMS) helicopter missions, ensuring safe and timely patient transport in critical situations.
• Coordinated with medical teams and dispatchers to execute complex emergency flights in varied weather conditions and over difficult terrain.
• Participated in ongoing training for emergency response procedures, ensuring rapid readiness in trauma and medical situations.
• Maintained 99% on-time performance in emergency response while adhering to strict FAA safety regulations and company protocols.

Calstar Air Medical, Redding, CA

Air Ambulance Pilot — King Air 200, January 2019 – February 2021

• Operated fixed-wing air ambulance services for long-distance patient transport, accumulating over 1,200 flight hours.
• Performed inter-facility medical transports, providing critical care patients with rapid transit between hospitals across state lines.
• Executed safe landings in remote or underdeveloped airfields, demonstrating strong adaptability and decision-making under pressure.
• Implemented risk management procedures, ensuring safety during emergency takeoffs, landings, and in-flight operations.

Licenses

• FAA Commercial Pilot License — Rotorcraft/Helicopter — Issued: January 2019, FAA
• FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) License, Bell 429 — Issued: September 2018, Federal Aviation Administration

Skills

• Proficient in flying rotor-wing aircraft: Bell 429, King Air 200, Robinson R44
• Expertise in EMS flight operations
• Strong understanding of FAA regulations, IFR, VFR, and night flying
• Effective in risk management, safety protocol adherence, and crisis decision-making
• Skilled in handling high-pressure environments, including mountainous terrain and adverse weather conditions

Education

California State University, Los Angeles, CA

Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management

Graduated: May 2018

Flight Hours

• Rotorcraft Hours: 2,200+
• Fixed-Wing Hours: 1,300+
• PIC Hours: 2,500+
• Night Flying Hours: 1,000+
• IFR Hours: 750+

References

Available upon request.

What is the difference between a pilot resume summary and an objective?

A resume summary provides a concise overview of your background, skills, and accomplishments. It’s aimed at showcasing what you bring to the table and why you're a strong candidate for the job.

It is focused on your past achievements, and designed for candidates with several years of experience.

Pilot resume summary example:

Experienced airline transport pilot with over 8,000 flight hours in commercial jets, specializing in long-haul international routes. Adept at managing complex flight operations, ensuring safety compliance, and providing exceptional passenger service. Proven track record in coordinating with crew and handling diverse weather conditions.

A resume objective states your career goals and intentions. It focuses on what you are seeking in your next role rather than emphasizing your accomplishments.

It is ideal for applicants who are either new to the profession (e.g., fresh graduates or career changers) or those looking for a specific opportunity.

Pilot resume objective example:

Seeking a position as a commercial pilot where I can utilize my recently acquired FAA certifications and flight hours to contribute to a growing airline’s safety and efficiency. Looking to expand my expertise in long-haul international flights.

Recreational pilot resume template

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 Recreational pilot resume sample | Plain text

David Holmes

Portland, OR 97214
Email: david.holmes@gmail.com
Phone: (503) 555-6789

Objective

Aspiring recreational pilot with a passion for aviation, holding an FAA Certificate. Seeking to gain further flight experience while leveraging strong knowledge of aerodynamics, safety protocols, and operations.

Education

Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR

Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering

• Graduation Date: May 2024
• Relevant Coursework: Aviation Safety, Aerodynamics, Aircraft Design, Navigation Systems, and Flight Dynamics
• Led a team project on the design and flight testing of a light sport aircraft, gaining hands-on experience with aeronautical engineering concepts.

Portland Community College, OR

Associate Degree in Applied Science

• Graduation Date: June 2020

Flight Experience

Flight Training — Hillsboro Aero Academy, OR

Recreational Pilot Trainee, January – July 2024

• Completed 50 flight hours, including solo flights and cross-country navigation.
• Trained on Cessna 172 aircraft, focusing on basic flight maneuvers, takeoff and landing techniques, and emergency procedures.

Certifications

• FAA Recreational Pilot Certificate — Issued: July 2023, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
• Class III Medical Certificate — Issued: March 2022

Skills

• Strong knowledge of basic navigation
• Familiar with pre and post-flight procedures
• Excellent communication skills with air traffic control
• Basic knowledge of weather patterns
• Familiar with Microsoft Flight Simulator and other aviation software

Work Experience

Aerospace Engineering Intern — Cascade Aviation Systems, Portland, OR

June – August 2023

• Assisted in the testing and analysis of small aircraft components, improving understanding of systems.
• Collaborated with senior engineers on projects involving aerodynamic performance and structural integrity testing.

Volunteer Experience

Aviation Volunteer

Portland Air Show, July 2022

• Assisted in coordinating ground operations for aircraft display and pilot introductions during the air show.
• Provided guidance to attendees, ensuring the safety and smooth flow of the event.

How to list education on a resume for pilots?

• Put your diplomas in reverse chronological order.
• Mention the name of the school or training facility.
• Include the location of the institution.
• State the month and year of graduation.
• Highlight specific courses that are pertinent to aviation or piloting.
• Incorporate any relevant honors or awards.

If you have completed aviation-related certifications, include these details here or as a separate section, depending on their significance and the level of your experience.

Search and rescue pilot resume example

Rafael B. Knuckles

Cleveland, OH
Email: rafael.knuckles@gmail.com
Phone: (216) 555-9876

Objective

Dedicated and skilled Search and Rescue Pilot with over 1,800 flight hours, specializing in emergency operations and disaster response. Seeking to leverage my extensive experience in aerial search and rescue missions, advanced piloting skills, and strong problem-solving abilities to contribute effectively to a dedicated team.

Experience

Air Rescue Services, Cleveland, OH

Search and Rescue Pilot — Bell 412, June 2020 – Present

• Conduct over 1,000 flight hours in search and rescue operations, responding to emergency calls and executing missions in diverse environments.
• Coordinate with multiple agencies to manage complex rescue operations, including natural disaster responses and missing person searches.
• Implement advanced flight maneuvers and navigation techniques to efficiently conduct aerial searches and support ground rescue teams.

Cleveland Police Aviation Unit, OH

Law Enforcement Pilot, August 2019 – May 2020

• Provided aerial support for law enforcement operations, including surveillance, tracking, and emergency response.
• Assisted in high-risk operations and crime scene management, contributing to successful missions and enhanced public safety.

Certifications

• Basic First Aid and CPR Certification — Issued: June 2021
• FAA Commercial Pilot License — Rotorcraft/Helicopter — Issued: July 2020, FAA
• ATP License — Issued: March 2019, FAA

Education

University of Akron, OH

Bachelor of Science in Aviation Technology

Graduated: May 2019

Skills

• Advanced Flight Maneuvers
• Aircraft Proficiency
• Navigation and Mapping
• Crisis Management
• Coordination with Ground Teams
• Risk Assessment
• Aircraft Maintenance and Inspection
• First Aid and Medical Support
• Search and Rescue Tools

What are the main pilot skills for resume?

• Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities or knowledge sets that are usually gained through education, training, or experience. They are often measurable and can be tested or evaluated through assessments or certifications.
• Soft skills are personal traits that enhance an individual's interactions and performance. They are often related to how well you work with others and how you manage various aspects of your life.

To present a well-rounded profile, it’s important to balance both types of attributes on your resume.

Low-time pilot resume template

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 Low-time pilot resume sample | Plain text

Trevor Robertson

Gulfport, MS 39501
Email: trevor.robertson@gmail.com
Phone: (856) 869-9998

Resume Summary

Highly motivated and detail-oriented pilot with 250 flight hours and extensive experience gained through rigorous training, simulator sessions, and hands-on practice. Demonstrates exceptional proficiency in flight maneuvers, navigation, and emergency procedures. Adept at utilizing advanced avionics and maintaining stringent safety protocols.

Experience

Flight Training — Gulf Coast Aviation Academy, Gulfport, MS

Private Pilot Trainee, January 2023 – Present

• Completed 150 hours including 50 of solo flight, demonstrating proficiency in cross-country navigation, night flying, and VFR operations.
• Execute complex flight maneuvers including steep turns, stall recovery, and emergency procedures under varying conditions.
• Achieve high marks in flight simulations, focusing on advanced scenarios and emergency response strategies.

Advanced Flight Simulation — SimTech Aviation, Gulfport, MS

Simulated Flight Training, June – December 2022

• Logged 100 hours in advanced flight simulators, including scenarios for IFR, multi-engine operations, and high-altitude navigation.
• Completed rigorous training modules on avionics systems, flight management, and multi-crew coordination.

Certifications

• FAA Private Pilot Certificate — Issued: December 2023, FAA

Education

Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS

Bachelor of Science in Aviation

• Graduated: May 2023
• Capstone Project: Development of a Flight Training Program incorporating advanced simulation techniques and safety protocols.

Skills

• Knowledge of advanced avionics and flight planning
• Familiarity with aircraft systems and maintenance procedures
• Strong team collaboration and leadership skills
• Expertise in emergency procedures and risk assessment
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities

How to organize experience on a pilot resume?

• Start with your most recent job or role and work backward.
• Clearly state your role. Include the name of the organization. Provide the city and state.
• Use the format Month Year – Month Year for employment dates.
• Apply bullet points to list your responsibilities, achievements, and main duties.
• Focus on specifics and quantify results where possible
• Utilize different variations or synonyms of keywords to cover a broader range of search terms.

Conclusion

From entry-level pilots to seasoned professionals, each resume should reflect a clear understanding of the role and the unique qualifications that set you apart. Emphasize your hands-on experience, technical expertise, and your ability to handle diverse and challenging scenarios.

Remember, your aviation resume is not just a list of qualifications but a strategic presentation of your background. By applying the pilot resume examples and principles outlined in this article, you can enhance your chances of landing the role you aspire to and soar to new heights in your career.

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