Key Takeaways
- Keep it concise: 1-2 pages maximum, focus on aviation experience only
- ATS optimization: Use keywords, standard formatting, avoid graphics
- Quantify everything: Total hours, PIC time, aircraft types, safety record
- Professional format: Clean layout, consistent fonts, clear sections
- Tailor for each job: Customize for airline vs corporate vs charter positions
Resume vs CV: What Pilots Need to Know
Understanding the difference between resumes and CVs is crucial for pilot job applications. In the United States, pilots typically use resumes—concise 1-2 page documents highlighting relevant experience. European and international positions often request CVs, which are more detailed 2-3 page documents including comprehensive career history.
Airlines and corporate flight departments receive hundreds of applications for each position. Hiring managers spend 6-10 seconds on initial resume screening, making clear, concise presentation essential. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scan resumes before human review, requiring specific formatting and keyword optimization.
Resume (US Standard)
- 1-2 pages maximum length
- Focus on recent 10-15 years
- Highlight relevant aviation experience
- Bullet points for achievements
- Tailored to specific job posting
- Standard for US airlines
CV (International Standard)
- 2-3 pages typical length
- Complete career history
- Detailed training records
- Full education background
- Publications and presentations
- Common for European carriers
Essential Resume Sections for Pilots
1. Contact Information
Include: Full name, phone number, professional email, city/state, LinkedIn profile (optional)
Avoid: Full street address, unprofessional email addresses, photos (unless specifically requested), personal social media
2. Professional Summary
2-3 sentence overview highlighting total hours, certificates, aircraft experience, and career focus. Tailor to each position.
Example: "ATP-rated pilot with 3,500+ hours including 1,200 multi-engine and 800 turbine. Current B737 type rating with 5 years Part 121 experience. Seeking First Officer position with major airline."
3. Certificates & Ratings
List all current certificates, ratings, and type ratings with certificate numbers and expiration dates. Include medical class and date.
4. Flight Experience Summary
Detailed breakdown of flight hours by category: Total, PIC, SIC, Multi-Engine, Turbine/Jet, Cross-Country, Night, Instrument, Instruction Given. Update regularly.
5. Professional Experience
Aviation employment in reverse chronological order. Include company name, position, dates, aircraft flown, and key achievements. Focus on flight operations—omit unrelated jobs unless recent graduate.
6. Education & Training
Degree information, flight schools attended, specialized training (CRM, RVSM, ETOPS), and recurrent training. Include completion dates.
How to Present Flight Experience
Standard Flight Time Breakdown Format
Pilot in Command: 2,100 hours
Second in Command: 1,400 hours
Multi-Engine: 1,800 hours
Turbine: 1,200 hours
Jet: 800 hours
Cross-Country: 1,500 hours
Night: 450 hours
Instrument: 600 hours (200 actual)
Instruction Given: 1,200 hours
Aircraft Experience Section
List aircraft by type with total hours in each. Include role (PIC/SIC) and notable operations.
Cessna 172: 1,200 hours PIC (Flight instruction, 900 dual given)
Piper Seminole: 400 hours PIC (Multi-engine instruction)
ATS Optimization for Pilot Resumes
Applicant Tracking Systems scan resumes for keywords and formatting before human review. Over 90% of airlines and major corporate operators use ATS software. Optimizing your resume for ATS increases chances of reaching hiring managers.
ATS-Friendly Practices
- Use standard section headings
- Include job posting keywords
- Spell out acronyms first use
- Use common fonts (Arial, Calibri)
- Save as PDF or DOCX
- Avoid headers and footers
- Use standard bullet points
- Include both acronym and full term
ATS Formatting Mistakes
- Graphics, images, or charts
- Tables for content layout
- Columns (use single column)
- Special characters or symbols
- Uncommon fonts or colors
- Text boxes or shapes
- Acronyms without explanation
- Creative section names
Keywords for Pilot Resumes
Include relevant terms from job posting: ATP Certificate, FAA Regulations, Part 121/135 Operations, CRM, Safety Management Systems, Flight Operations, Type Ratings, Multi-Engine, Turbine, PIC Time, International Operations, ETOPS, RVSM, etc.
Professional Formatting Guidelines
Typography
- 11-12pt body text
- 14-16pt headers
- Professional fonts only
- Consistent styling
- Black text on white
Layout
- 1-inch margins all sides
- Single column layout
- Clear section breaks
- White space balance
- Left-aligned text
Content
- Bullet points for lists
- Action verbs start bullets
- Quantify achievements
- Reverse chronological
- Consistent verb tense
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Critical Errors
- Typos and grammatical errors - Proofread multiple times, have others review
- Outdated or incorrect flight hours - Update logbook totals before each application
- Missing or expired certificates - Only list current, valid certificates
- Unprofessional email addresses - Use firstname.lastname@provider.com format
- Irrelevant work history - Focus on aviation experience unless recent graduate
- Resume too long or too short - Aim for 1-2 pages maximum
- Generic objective statements - Use tailored professional summary instead
- Listing references - Use "References available upon request" or omit entirely
What NOT to Include
Avoid: salary requirements, personal information (age, marital status, children), references on resume, photos (unless required), hobbies unrelated to aviation, high school information if you have degree, complete street address, reasons for leaving previous jobs, negative information about former employers.
Resume Examples by Experience Level
Entry-Level Pilot (250-500 hours)
Focus Areas:
- Highlight CFI experience and student success rate
- Emphasize recent training and certificates
- Include relevant education and scholarships
- Show professional development and initiative
- Mention any volunteer flying or community involvement
Mid-Career Pilot (1,500-3,000 hours)
Focus Areas:
- Emphasize turbine and multi-engine time
- Detail Part 135 or regional airline experience
- Highlight leadership and training roles
- Showcase safety record and professionalism
- Include relevant type ratings obtained
Experienced Pilot (3,000+ hours)
Focus Areas:
- Highlight PIC time and aircraft command experience
- Detail international operations and complex missions
- Include check airman or training captain experience
- Emphasize management or leadership positions
- Show continuous professional development
Final Resume Checklist
Before Submitting
Content Review
- All flight hours accurate and current
- Certificate numbers and dates correct
- No typos or grammatical errors
- Contact information updated
- Tailored to specific job posting
- Action verbs start each bullet
Format Check
- 1-2 pages maximum length
- Consistent formatting throughout
- ATS-friendly (no graphics/tables)
- Professional font and layout
- Saved as PDF or DOCX
- File named: FirstLast_Resume.pdf
Your Resume is Your First Impression
A professional, well-crafted resume is essential for landing pilot interviews. Focus on clear presentation of flight experience, relevant qualifications, and achievements. Optimize for ATS systems while maintaining professional appearance. Update regularly with current hours and certificates. Tailor each application to the specific position and company. Proofread carefully and have experienced pilots review before submission. Your resume represents your professionalism—make it count.