Pilot CV Example
A pilot CV presents your flight qualifications, total hours logged, and type ratings alongside your commitment to aviation safety and professionalism.
Recommended template: ProfessionalPro
Key Skills to Include
Quick Tips
- Include your licence type, total flight hours, and all type ratings held.
- Detail your command time versus co-pilot time if applicable.
- Highlight your medical certificate class and validity.
- Showcase additional qualifications such as instructor ratings or examiner authority.
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Upgrade to ProHow to Write Your Pilot CV
A pilot CV must clearly present your licences, flight hours, type ratings, and operational experience in a format that airline recruiters can scan quickly. The aviation industry is highly competitive, and your CV needs to demonstrate not just your flying qualifications but also your professionalism, safety record, and crew resource management skills. Whether you are an experienced captain or a newly qualified pilot seeking your first type rating, clarity and accuracy are essential.
CV Structure
Use a clean format with a flight hours summary table near the top of the document, followed by your profile, operational experience, qualifications, and additional training. List each airline or operator you have worked for with your rank, aircraft type, and key responsibilities. Include a dedicated section for your licence, medical certificate, and type ratings. Keep the CV to two pages for experienced pilots and one page for newly qualified applicants.
CV Format
Choose a professional, straightforward template with no decorative elements. Pilots are expected to present information with precision and clarity — your CV should reflect this. Use tables for flight hours and qualifications where appropriate. Ensure all dates, licence numbers, and expiry dates are accurate. Save as PDF and proofread meticulously — attention to detail is a core pilot competency.
CV Profile Examples
Experienced Airline Pilot
ATPL-qualified airline pilot with 8,500 total flight hours, including 3,200 hours as pilot in command on the Boeing 737-800. Holds current type ratings on B737NG and A320 with a Class 1 medical and an unblemished safety record across twelve years of commercial flying. Experienced in short-haul European operations and committed to the highest standards of crew resource management and operational professionalism.
First Officer
Dedicated first officer with 2,800 total hours on the Airbus A320 family, operating scheduled services across European and Mediterranean routes for a major UK low-cost carrier. Holds a frozen ATPL with instrument and multi-engine ratings and a clean regulatory record. Known for strong situational awareness, effective communication with flight deck colleagues, and a methodical approach to standard operating procedures.
Commercial Pilot — Career Starter
Newly qualified commercial pilot with a CPL, multi-engine instrument rating, and 250 total flight hours including 100 hours on the PA-34 Seneca. Completed an integrated ATPL course at a CAA-approved flight training organisation with first-time passes in all fourteen ATPL theory examinations. Eager to begin a career in commercial aviation, bringing strong technical foundations and a disciplined approach to learning.
Write a concise three-sentence profile stating your licence type, total hours, current type rating, and key operational strengths. Mention your command hours if applicable and your medical certificate class. Avoid subjective statements — let your numbers and qualifications speak for themselves.
Key Skills for Your Pilot CV
ATPL/CPL Licence
Holding a frozen or full Airline Transport Pilot Licence or Commercial Pilot Licence issued by the UK CAA or EASA.
Type Ratings
Qualified to operate specific aircraft types such as Boeing 737, Airbus A320, or other commercial aircraft with current validity.
Instrument Flying
Conducting instrument approaches and flying in IMC conditions using ILS, VOR, and RNAV procedures with precision.
CRM
Practising effective crew resource management through clear communication, workload sharing, and assertive decision-making on the flight deck.
Aviation Safety
Maintaining a proactive safety culture through adherence to SOPs, voluntary safety reporting, and participation in safety programmes.
Navigation
Planning and executing flights using FMS, GPS, and traditional navigation aids across a variety of airspace and route structures.
Decision Making
Making sound operational decisions under pressure, balancing safety, fuel considerations, weather, and passenger comfort.
Communication
Communicating clearly and concisely with ATC, cabin crew, and ground operations in both routine and non-routine situations.
Threat & Error Management
Identifying potential threats and errors proactively, applying mitigating strategies to maintain safe flight operations.
Work Experience Examples
For each airline, state the aircraft type, route network, and your rank. List four to five responsibilities and two to three achievements. Emphasise safety record, line training activities, and fuel efficiency. Include sector counts, on-time performance, and any awards or commendations received from the airline or training department.
Captain (B737-800)
Northpoint Airlines
Operated as pilot in command on Boeing 737-800 aircraft flying scheduled short-haul services across 45 European destinations from bases at London Stansted and Manchester.
Responsibilities
- Commanded flights carrying up to 189 passengers, maintaining full responsibility for aircraft safety, fuel planning, and operational decision-making.
- Conducted pre-flight planning including weather assessment, NOTAM review, performance calculations, and route briefings with first officers.
- Managed crew resource management on the flight deck, fostering open communication and effective workload sharing with co-pilots.
- Executed approaches and landings in challenging conditions including low visibility CAT II/III ILS and crosswind operations up to aircraft limits.
- Mentored newly line-trained first officers during their initial 100 hours, providing constructive feedback and supporting their development.
Achievements
- Completed over 2,000 sectors as captain with zero safety events, contributing to the airline's IOSA audit success and low incident rate.
- Selected as a line training captain, responsible for conducting 45 final line checks over a two-year period with a 100% first-time pass rate.
- Commended by the fleet manager for fuel efficiency, consistently achieving fuel savings 3% below planned consumption through optimised cruise techniques.
First Officer (A320)
Sterling European Airways
Served as first officer on Airbus A320 aircraft operating short-haul scheduled services across 60 European and North African routes from London Gatwick.
Responsibilities
- Operated as pilot flying and pilot monitoring on an alternating basis, performing all standard operating procedures in accordance with the airline operations manual.
- Prepared flight plans, calculated performance data, and completed pre-flight walkaround inspections before each departure.
- Communicated with air traffic control, cabin crew, and ground operations throughout all phases of flight.
- Participated in recurrent simulator training every six months, maintaining proficiency in emergency procedures and abnormal operations.
Achievements
- Achieved a grade of 'above standard' on three consecutive operator proficiency checks from the airline's training department.
- Completed 1,500 sectors with an on-time departure contribution rate of 94%, supporting the airline's operational performance targets.
Education & Qualifications
List your ATPL or CPL first, followed by the flight training organisation and course type (integrated or modular). Include your degree if relevant, particularly if it is in aerospace engineering, aviation management, or a STEM subject. Detail your ATPL theory examination results if you achieved notable grades.
ATPL (Frozen/Full)
Airline Transport Pilot Licence qualifying the holder to act as pilot in command on multi-crew commercial aircraft.
Type Rating (B737/A320)
Aircraft-specific qualification required to operate as crew on a particular aircraft type in commercial operations.
Class 1 Medical
Aviation medical certificate issued by a CAA-approved aeromedical examiner, required for commercial pilot operations.
TRI/TRE Rating
Type Rating Instructor or Examiner authorisation enabling the holder to conduct training and checking on specific aircraft types.
Frequently Asked Questions
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