Resume template for Airline Pilot
An airline pilot CV is highly standardized: license type and ratings, total flight hours by category, type ratings on specific aircraft, and current medical class. Airline crew planning and training departments scan in a fixed order and value precise numbers — total time, PIC time, jet time, and time on type. Keep it structured and dense; long narrative paragraphs are not the format. Include language proficiencies (ICAO English level) and any check-airman or instructor qualifications.
A classic structured layout matches industry expectations — crew planning reads pilot CVs in a fixed order: licenses, hours, type ratings, medical, languages.
Profile example
„Commercial Pilot with ATPL frozen, 2,400 total flight hours including 1,800 on A320 family. Type rating A320, ICAO English Level 6, Class 1 medical valid. Current First Officer at a European low-cost carrier.“
Example bullets for work experience
- •2,400 total flight hours, including 1,800 on A320 family and 600 PIC time on light twin
- •Type rating Airbus A320 (current), with line-check pass at last 6-month cycle
- •ICAO English Level 6, German native
- •Recurrent CRM and LOFT training completed annually with above-average scores
- •Mentored 2 cadets through line training, including review of SOP adherence
Tips specific to Airline Pilot
- 1.Total flight hours, PIC, jet time, and time on type in dedicated lines — these are the primary filter
- 2.License (ATPL/CPL), ratings, and medical class with expiry dates
- 3.ICAO English level explicit
- 4.Current type rating and last simulator/line-check cycle
- 5.Keep narrative paragraphs short — pilot CVs are read for facts, not prose
Frequently asked questions
How long should a pilot CV be?
1 to 2 pages — the format is dense by convention. Hour breakdowns and ratings carry the document.
Should I include a photo?
Many airlines still expect one, especially in Europe. Follow the airline's published application guidance.
How do I show low total time as a fresh ATPL holder?
Be honest about hours and emphasize quality of training, simulator scores, and instructor feedback. Pad with non-aviation experience only if directly relevant.