airline pilot resume cover letter

How to Write a Pilot Cover Letter

airline pilot resume cover letter

How to structure it and what details to include

If you are looking to put together a professionally written Pilot Covering Letter in support of your application for a flight crew position for an airline, ensure you are familiar with what to include and how to structure it. This guide has been written by a current commercial pilot who has extensive experience in screening initial applications, such as CV & Cover Letters and running pilot selection processes.

Why is a Pilot Cover Letter Important?

It is essential that your pilot CV or application to an airline is accompanied by a high quality, tailored Covering Letter which has been written specifically for the airline to which you are applying. A cover letter is your platform to demonstrate that you are well suited to join the airline and are familiar with its type of operation and values. Many people choose the easy option of producing a generic ‘one size fits all’ cover letter which makes no effort to address the airline you are applying for. This is easy to spot and significantly disadvantages your application.

Why should an airline consider inviting you for an interview for a pilot position if you haven’t shown that you are prepared to spend the extra half hour needed to demonstrate you’ve really researched the airline, its ethos and type of operation, when other candidates have? The excuse of ‘I don’t have the time’ is just not acceptable – you are applying to operate a multi-million-pound aircraft with potentially hundreds of people onboard therefore, airline recruitment teams expect the highest levels of professionalism to be demonstrated right from the initial application stage.

Generic Pilot Cover Letters

A generic pilot Cover Letter is very easy to spot. Simply changing the company name and a couple of sentences around when sending a cover letter out to different airlines is not good practice. More than half of the content within the Cover Letter you send out should have unique content. Think of the differences between easyJet and Virgin Atlantic; each airline has unique challenges, one across a short-haul operation, one over long-haul with both providing a different type of service. Each airline has different values and is probably looking for slightly different attributes from its flight crew. Your covering letter should address these factors.

Whereas a pilot CV showcases your skills, qualification and history, a Covering Letter should set out your motivation for joining a specific airline and how you are well suited for that company and type of operation. It should be limited to a single page (again a recruiter only has a finite amount of time to review each application) unless you have extenuating circumstances to make it longer.

Ensure it adheres to standard letter format which includes your address, date and name. You should address the letter to a specific person within the company if possible, like the recruitment manager of chief pilot.

What Should my Pilot Cover Letter Include?

Your pilot cover letter should include the following points:

When writing the pilot Cover Letter, you might consider some of these points depending on the type of airline you are applying to.

Pilot Cover Letter Tips

Pilot Cover Letter Tips & General Advice

Want to use our Professional Pilot Cover Letter design service? Our team have experience in designing selection processes, screening applications and selecting candidates for airlines. For more information about how we can support your application, visit our Professional Cover Letter Tailoring page.

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Professional Pilot Cover Letter Example for 2023

Read for inspiration or use it as a base to improve your own Pilot cover letter. Just replace personal information, company application data and achievements with your own.

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How to write a pilot cover letter to be proud of.

According to 83% of hiring managers, cover letters are an important part of every recruiter’s decision-making process .

What’s more, 72% of them will expect you to hand in a great cover letter, even if this part is listed as ‘optional’ on the job advert.

And if you ask our experts, cover letters are an amazing opportunity to tell a personal story and make the right first impression.

But what exactly is a cover letter and how to write a good one? Let’s see…

pilot cover letter example.jpg

Let’s begin by discussing the difference between a cover letter and a resume . The resume is the place where you should list all your hard skills, achievements, and talents.

The cover letter, on the other hand, is your chance to share more about yourself and show who you are .

But what’s the way to grab the reader’s attention? How can you make the hiring manager want to meet you and learn more about you?

Choose the right salutation and show your eagerness for the job

In general, the salutation you use depends on the tone of voice you’ve decided to go for but also on the company culture.

However, it’s always a good idea to address your letter to the person responsible for the recruitment process . If you don’t know their name, try to find it out. And only if that proves to be impossible, choose a generic salutation.

Here are some phrases you can use (note that some of them require you to know the hiring manager's name):

A noteworthy introduction is what will grab the reader by the collar and make them want to get to know you better.

But what’s the best way to begin your cover letter? Highlight your excitement about the position!

Be honest and original – this will get you remembered. You can even link your excitement to the reasons why you’d like to grow in this exact field.

Don't skip on your Pilot soft and hard skills

When it comes to listing skills on a cover letter , there’s only one thing that could be said about it – do it in a well-thought-out way!

We mean, don’t just plainly list all your skills on your cover letter. Instead, link them to achievements and goals. Share how your expertise can add value to the team. Maybe even tell a personal story. It’s up to you.

Just make sure to include both soft and hard skills – especially the ones listed in the requirements section of the job advert. This will help you pass applicant tracking systems that screen documents for certain keywords.

Show that you know the company and its problems well

Adding a line or two about the company can help you prove your excitement and readiness to become a valuable team member.

You might also choose to link your previous work-related tasks and achievements to current industry or even company issues and how you think they can be resolved.

End in an actionable way

While a strong introduction makes a great first impression, a confident, yet the considerate conclusion is essentially what will get you a callback.

There are different ways to end your cover letter. But remember – the closing line you choose should match the company culture.

Your safest bet would be going for traditional phrases like “Looking forward to hearing from you” or “Looking forward to your reply”. For bonus points, add a simple “Thank you for your time and consideration”.

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Airline Pilot Cover Letter Examples

Airline Pilots operate aircraft transporting passengers or cargo on various distances. Airline Pilots usually work in pairs – one is the pilot in command, and the other is the supporting first officer. Typical responsibilities of an Airline Pilot are developing flight plans, supervising the loading and fueling of the aircraft, checking the functioning of safety systems, doing pre-flight checks, following noise regulations, using the public address system to communicate to passengers, and taking action in case of emergency.

Need a cover letter format? Here are 3 types of cover letter formats to choose from.

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For help with your resume, check out our extensive Airline Pilot Resumes .

Don't send your resume without a cover letter. Find out how to create a professional cover letter in our guide.

Include These Airline Pilot Skills

Comparable Airline Pilot abilities can be checked in the cover letter sample displayed below.

Dear Mr. Green:

Upon learning of Blue Wave Airlines’search for an experienced Airline Pilot, I was immediately eager to submit my resume for your review. With more than 12 years of experience ensuring outstanding passenger experiences as well as adherence to all guidelines and safety regulations, I am confident that I would be a valuable asset to your team.

With more than 1,920 flying hours as Pilot in Command, I possess a breadth of technical skill and expertise to allow me to make an immediate and positive contribution to Blue Wave Airlines. Backed by superior communication talents as well as my meticulous attention to detail, I excel at maintaining exceptional levels of timeliness, compliance, and passenger service.

Highlights of my experience include…

Creating flight plans, supervising fueling, double-checking safety systems, interpreting instrument data, and communicating effectively with air traffic controllers and passengers.

Briefing crewmembers, inspecting aircraft, and crosschecking teams to ensure safe and proper flight conduct.

Possessing sound judgment and decision-making skills to excel in unexpected and/or emergency situations.

Maintaining personal certification and pilot currency requirements according to Federal Aviation Regulation part 61; holding a Bachelor’s degree in Aviation.

With my extensive record of piloting success, I am well prepared to extend my record of exceptional service to your team at Blue Wave Airlines. I welcome the opportunity to discuss this position and my qualifications with you further. Thank you for your consideration.

Leon T. Lang

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Ms. Bernice Mollica Human Resources Manager Air Wisconsin Airlines Corporation 3075 Daffodil Lane Arlington, VA 22202

Subject: Application for position of Airline Pilot

Dear Ms. Mollica,

I am applying for the position of Airline Pilot as seen advertised. I believe the skills and experience I have to offer in this respect will prove to be of considerable benefit to Air Wisconsin Airlines Corporation.

The experience and skills I have to offer Air Wisconsin Airlines Corporation include:

– I hold an Aerospace Engineering gained at California State University, Long Beach, CA in 2005.

– I have worked for a number of commercial airlines in the past that include the movement of cargo as well as passengers. I have flown a variety of different sized aircrafts, from large intercontinental passenger aircrafts, to smaller cargo aircrafts.

– I have full instrumentation flying experience and certification. I am familiar with the difficulties presented by night flying and varying flying conditions due to inclement weather.

– I am familiar with the need to ensure that fuel, passenger and cargo distribution does not exceed the weight and balance specifications.

– I understand the importance of keeping regular contact with weather forecasters and flight dispatchers to maintain up to the minute information on the latest flying conditions.

– I understand the value of coordinating flight activities with air-traffic control as well as ground crews and other flight personnel.

– I am familiar with all monitoring procedures of all systems during flight and I know how to take the appropriate action in any emergency situation.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for considering me for this position, and I look forward to the chance to expand on my qualifications, experience and skills at interview level.

To this end you may contact me at (333)-768-5225, or send me an email at [email protected] I thank you again for the opportunity to be of service to you in the post of Airline Pilot.

Yours Sincerely,

(Signature hand written in blue pen ink)

Will Albert

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Pilot Cover Letter Example

Pilot Cover Letter Example

Time for your career as a pilot to change course? A top-flight pilot cover letter can give your application some added fuel and propel you to higher altitudes.

When your dream job is on the horizon, Resume.io has what you need to get started, including 125+ occupation-specific writing guides and corresponding cover letter examples. This cover letter writing guide, backed by a pilot cover letter example, will cover these topics:

Employment prospects for airline and commercial pilots are soaring into the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Employment Statistics. Job market demand is projected to grow by 13% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. This partly reflects the rebound in business and leisure travel following the pandemic-induced economic recession that grounded thousands of pilots for prolonged stretches.

Best format for a pilot cover letter

One connection at a time, let’s map out the surest path towards an interview-winning pilot cover letter. It will be consist of these parts:

Cover letter header

Cover letter greeting, cover letter introduction, cover letter body.

Before offering tips for navigating each of these cover letter sections, here are some key guidelines for reader-friendliness. 

Here is an adaptable pilot cover letter example that you can customize for the position and employer:

Dear Mr Korthley,  Having worked as a charter pilot in Canada and North America for the past five years (in particular on the New York to Vegas route) and previously flying military cargo planes, the charter pilot position to fly Lear Jets and Gulfstreams with LightAir is an ideal next step.  I have experience across a range of aircraft, including LearJet 35 and 60, Gulfstream 450 and 500 and Hawker 800XP, amongst others. On gaining my pilot’s license with the U.S. Air Force (graduating top 10% in my class), I specialised in flying far larger aircraft, but I enjoy the responsiveness of the smaller corporate jet and would not go back. My certifications include: the ATP, CFI and AGI along with full first aid an emergency preparedness training.  My previous employer was meticulous about measuring the smoothness of their flights and I was rated the best out of 8 pilots for comfort. I can deliver a first-class passenger experience through all but the worst of weather. 55% of my passengers on my Vegas flights were repeat fliers and I regularly enjoyed extra hospitality “bonuses” from my employer whenever there was a stopover. I do not gamble, but I do enjoy the buzz of the city and it is important to be able to share the Vegas magic while chatting with my passengers mid-flight.  During my military postings in the Middle East, I became conversant in Arabic to a good level and this is always something I seek to tap into when I fly the 25% of my passengers who were from that region. I know that this is a demographic that you are particularly keen on targeting.  I would value the opportunity for and interview to discuss my experience in more depth.  Sincerely,  Connie Chang

For more inspiration, check out our related transportation cover letter samples:

Your cover letter header commands the top of the page and is important to:

Make them match Impress hiring managers with the extra attention to detail that goes into a matching cover letter and resume pair— notably in the header. Aligning the visual styles of your two job application documents could improve the chances of both getting more than a passing glance.

Goal of the cover letter header: A visually distinctive header lets you stand out other job candidates and makes it easy for interested recruiters to contact you. Check out our pilot cover letter sample for more ideas on how to make your header stand out.

Science affirms the positive psychological impact of hearing or reading our own name. That’s why your pilot cover letter greeting should address the reader by name whenever possible. Depending on the company’s size and hiring process, the recipient may be your future boss, the chief pilot or an HR manager. If you’re unsure, and no one is named in the job application instructions, try to  find out on the employer’s website or make a phone call.

You can’t go wrong with the traditional salutation “Dear <Mr.> or <Ms.> Surname.” If you’re certain that a less formal greeting would be acceptable, go with “Hello,” “Greetings” or even “Hi,” instead of “Dear.” But a first-name-basis greeting is not recommended unless you and the recipient know each other personally.

If your efforts to come up with a recipient’s name don’t pan out, try a greeting along these lines that fits the situation: “Dear RightFlight Pilot Recruiting Manager” or “Dear UpWays Pilot Hiring Team.” 

Goal of the cover letter greeting: Making a direct personal connection with the cover letter recipient starts your cover letter off on a professional, yet approachable, note.

Dear Mr Korthley,

The introduction is the lift-off point for your pilot cover letter, where hiring managers are intrigued with a sense of anticipation. They will naturally expect these two or three opening statements to launch your most persuasive reasons for being a great pilot. What they might not expect are insights into your motivation to deliver what they need when hired.  If you’ve laid the groundwork by thoroughly informing yourself about the airline and the position needing to filled, your cover letter is on its way with these introductory points: 

Sound energetic, engaging and respectfully self-assured. Stop short of the details, beyond piquing the reader’s curiosity to learn more. 

Goal of the cover letter introduction: Capture the recruiter’s interest by appealing to what this employer needs to know about your potential and desire to contribute.

Here’s an introduction idea from our pilot cover letter sample:

Having worked as a charter pilot in Canada and North America for the past five years (in particular on the New York to Vegas route) and previously flying military cargo planes, the charter pilot position to fly Lear Jets and Gulfstreams with LightAir is an ideal next step.

The body section of your pilot cover letter should glide smoothly at cruising altitude over a few carefully selected career highlights. Elaborate in relevant and relatable terms that demonstrate what you know about this airline, what it stands for and and how it stands to benefit with you in the pilot’s seat.

Don’t rehash the same information in the same way it appears in your resume. Reframe your past accomplishments as future contributions, citing facts and figures for context. Incorporate a story that illustrates your commitment to continued learning and professional development. 

Goal of the cover letter body: Instill the reader’s confidence by making relevant connections between your pilot background and potential benefits to this hiring company.

This pilot cover letter sample illustrates what you might include in the middle part:

I have experience across a range of aircraft, including LearJet 35 and 60, Gulfstream 450 and 500 and Hawker 800XP, amongst others. On gaining my pilot’s license with the U.S. Air Force (graduating top 10% in my class), I specialised in flying far larger aircraft, but I enjoy the responsiveness of the smaller corporate jet and would not go back. My certifications include: the ATP, CFI and AGI along with full first aid an emergency preparedness training.  My previous employer was meticulous about measuring the smoothness of their flights and I was rated the best out of 8 pilots for comfort. I can deliver a first-class passenger experience through all but the worst of weather. 55% of my passengers on my Vegas flights were repeat fliers and I regularly enjoyed extra hospitality “bonuses” from my employer whenever there was a stopover. I do not gamble, but I do enjoy the buzz of the city and it is important to be able to share the Vegas magic while chatting with my passengers mid-flight.  During my military postings in the Middle East, I became conversant in Arabic to a good level and this is always something I seek to tap into when I fly the 25% of my passengers who were from that region. I know that this is a demographic that you are particularly keen on targeting. 

Cover letter closing 

The conclusion of your cover letter should effectively touch down on the job-landing strip by actually leaving something up in the air. A call to action is designed to leave the next move up to the employer. Convey enough eagerness about meeting for an interview that the recruiter will feel uncomfortable to leave your letter unanswered and dismissed. At the very least, end your cover letter by saying you look forward to hearing back soon. 

That’s all. Next, simply sign off with “Sincerely,” Best regards,” or “Best,” above your name. 

Aim of the cover letter closing: An upbeat ending includes a call to action that ideally results in an interview.

Below is the closing section of our pilot cover letter example.

I would value the opportunity for and interview to discuss my experience in more depth.  Sincerely, Connie Chang

Writing psychology: leading with the right traits

What employers need to know about your pilot qualifications — from training hours logged to technical skills and licensing endorsements — can be found in your resume. But the story of who you are and what you would look like on board as an airline hiring prospect is where your cover letter landing lights should aim.

In an Aerocorner.com overview of the people skills every pilot needs, writer Matt Claiborne points out two realities that influence hiring managers: they can train you to do pretty much anything in the plane, but they can’t train you to be likable. 

“Do I want to spend all day in a tiny airplane cockpit with this person? That’s the question that every pilot asks themselves when they meet another pilot,” Claiborne notes. “When you go for a pilot job interview, the chief pilot will be asking themselves just that question. And they’ll probably answer it before they ever fly with you.”

Soft skills figure prominently in this Aerocorner.com top 7 list of pilot attributes : 1. A “command presence”

2. People skills

3. Desire to know how things work

4. Visualize spatial concepts

5. Communicate clearly

6. Time management skills

7. Being honest with yourself

Common cover mistakes to avoid

Avoiding the most common pitfalls will ensure your pilot cover letter stays in the air long enough to give hiring managers the clearest, brightest full picture of your attributes. Any of these mistakes could abort your cover letter’s takeoff.   

Key takeaways for a pilot cover letter

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The Making of an Attention Grabbing Cover Letter

by Rebecca Stewart If you have ever been in charge of hiring, you have probably had the daunting task of reviewing hundreds of cover letters - boring, generic cover letters.  And if you have ever applied for a job, you have probably been guilty of writing said cover letter. I/m talking about the mundane, lifeless cover letters, similar to this one:

To Whom It May Concern,I am applying for the pilot position with your company.  I have flown many different types of aircraft, from Cessna single engines, King Airs to a Citation Bravo. I meet your experience requirements. My professionalism, promptness and flying abilities will be an asset to your organization.  I offer excellent leadership skills.  Attached you will find a copy of my current resume. Thank you for your consideration.  I look forward to hearing from you soon. Sincerely, Pilot

Now ask yourself –

If you answered NO to any or all of these keep reading… A cover letter is the first impression a potential employer sees of you.  Saint Jerome, an early theologian, once said, “First impressions are hard to eradicate from the mind.” So do you want that impression to be a bad one or a fantastic one? Your cover letter needs to be personal; it needs to grab the attention of the person reading it.  It also needs to be written by you.  Yes, I said you.  You cannot hire someone else to write your letter... that would be their cover letter, not yours.  Can you ask for help, search the Internet for ideas, and bounce ideas off of friends?  Sure, but make sure its your work, not the work of someone else. To start your cover letter, it is best to gather as much information as possible about the company that is offering the employment opportunity.  Make every attempt to address your cover letter to the chief pilot or the person who is accepting resumes within the company.  Next, get in the mindset of trying to fulfill a need the company has and address that need in your cover letter. You are probably saying to yourself, “yep – they need a pilot, I am a pilot … need met!” But do you? Many companies look for diverse employees.  Employees that are able to fly an airplane, but that also have other qualities that might eventually suit a chief pilot position or director position.  When you write your cover letter, think of your potential, tapped and untapped, and express it!  Finally, make it personal and emphasize your strengths.

Dear Mr. Smith, It is with great pleasure that I submit to you my resume seeking the Citation first officer position with Acme Drilling.  My understanding is that Acme is a growing company with growing flight department needs.My flying career began in the Houston area working for XYZ flight school.  My goal has always been to fly for Acme; however, I knew I would have to move out of the area in order to build the necessary time and experience to apply.  The past five years I have spent in New Mexico gaining the experience and flight time necessary to apply with Acme. My current position has allowed me to gain experience in aircraft acquisition, hiring of new pilots and development of pilot training schedules on multiple aircraft; skills that will be an asset to Acme’s growing flight department. As evidenced by my resume, I have an extensive background in the aviation industry and business.  My skills in communication, planning, organization and leadership are applicable to any organization and will benefit Acme’s flight department now and into the future. I am available at your convenience to discuss my resume and experience in more detail. Sincerely, Pilot

A cover letter is also a good place to address a gap in your resume. For example:

I resigned from my previous corporate flying job, in early 2005, to stay home and raise my children who are now school age.  My family relocated to south Louisiana a year ago and I am looking forward to rejoining and contributing to the corporate aviation industry.

Employers receive hundreds if not thousands of cover letters.  You want yours to stand out and get noticed.  If possible, talk to the person through your cover letter and let him/her know why you are different and why they should flip the page to your resume. Remember to make it personal and highlight your abilities!  

After you have your cover letter and you are ready to apply for pilot jobs, join FindaPilot.com !

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Pilot Cover Letter Example

When writing a Pilot cover letter Examples remember to present your relevant work history and skills according to the job you are applying for. Whether you're seeking an entry-level position or have been in your career for a few years, exposing your relevant achievements in your cover letter can allow you to stand out and get that job interview.

This cover letter example is a great representation of what a hiring manager is looking for in a Pilot cover letter Examples resume. Feel free to use this example for reference as you create your own cover letter or use this easy cover letter builder that will guide you through every step of your building your cover letter in just a few minutes.

In addition to the Pilot Cover Letter Example, be sure to check out our Pilot Resume Example .

Here are Pilot Cover Letter Examples:

Dear Human Resources Director:

My name is Blake Kelly and I have just been honorably discharged from the United States Air Force after serving 2 tours of duty as an air evac pilot in Afghanistan. I am applying for a position as a pilot with U.S. Airlines and I am able to relocate to any city in the country.As a member of the Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron I am also a certified paramedic. I have experience flying evasive maneuvers which, although not necessary in the commercial airlines industry, promotes dexterity and improves response time. I also have experience landing an aircraft on virtually any terrain. My Air Force experience has enabled me to react calmly and rationally in an emergency situation.

My training as a paramedic is an added benefit that can be useful should a passenger become ill in flight. I plan to maintain my certification even after obtaining a civilian job. I have my Airline Transport Pilot Certification as well as a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aviation which I earned at the Air Force Academy in Colorado. During my time in the Air Force I was awarded the Air Force Aerial Achievement Medal, the Air Force Combat Medal and the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal.

Although I am not at liberty to discuss any details regarding specific missions in Afghanistan, I can say that I believe the experiences have served to prepare me for a position as a commercial airline pilot who places the safety of the passengers and the security of the aircraft above all else. After researching the mission statements and passenger reviews of several airlines in American, I believe that U.S. Airlines is the finest and the one that would be the best fit for me.

Please find attached my resume and a letter of recommendation from my commanding officer in the Air Force. I am available for a personal interview any time at your convenience. You may contact me on my cell phone at (555)-555-5555 or via email at [email] Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Respectfully,

Blake Kelly

Example 2 -Unadvertised Opening

This pilot cover letter example is from a graduate of a prestigious American flight school. She is applying with a number of companies for a position as a pilot flying corporate jets for management and employees. She graduated in the top of her class and is eager to begin flying.

My name is Ginger Preston and I am applying for a position as a junior pilot in your Flight Services Department. I am a recent graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida where I received a Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Science. I graduated number 3 in my class and was presented with the Chancellor Award for outstanding academic accomplishment and campus and community service.

I was fortunate to attend Embry-Riddle on a partial academic scholarship where I had the benefit of the most advanced flight training curriculum in the world. Both the academic studies and the in-flight training programs were extremely rigorous and designed to prepare a pilot for virtually any situation. I had access to the most sophisticated aircraft and simulators available today and believe my education has prepared me well for a career as a corporate pilot.

I believe in giving back to the community and while in college I volunteered with the local public school system in the City of Daytona. I participated in their “Character Counts” program which was designed to educate and help students make appropriate decisions when faced with choices like lying, cheating, stealing or other options. I would present elementary school students with scenarios and help them come up with the best way to handle the situation while demonstrating a high level of character.

My application and resume are attached along with 2 letters of reference. One is from the principal of Daytona Primary School and the other is from the Dean of the College of Aeronautical Sciences at Embry-Riddle. I hope you will review this package and contact me for an interview. I can be reached on my cell phone at (555)-555-5555 or via email at [email] I look forward to having the honor and privilege of serving as a corporate pilot for ABC Industries.

Your Signature

Ginger Preston

Example 3 – Response to Job Postings and Classifieds Ads

This pilot cover letter example is from an experienced corporate pilot with a stellar work record who would like to transition into the world of commercial flight. He has been working for a large corporation for several years but is applying for advertised pilot positions with commercial airlines in America.

My name is James Kim and I am applying for one of the available positions of pilot with ABC Airlines. Your ad specifically indicates that fluency in Japanese would be a plus for a job applicant. As the son of Japanese immigrants I grew up bilingual and speak Japanese fluently. As a corporate pilot for XYZ industries I flew regular flights to Japan because the corporation’s parent company is located in Tokyo.

I believe my excellent flight record with XYZ, my fluency in Japanese and my familiarity with the accepted flight patterns between the U.S. and Tokyo make me an ideal fit for one of the open pilot positions. In addition, I possess a multi-engine land rating for several commercial aircraft and have logged in excess of 3,000 hours throughout my career. Prior to working with XYZ I served 2 tours in the U.S. Air Force in Iraq and was a Pilot Instructor at the Air Force Academy in Colorado for 1 year.

I am highly skilled at flight planning and preparation and congenial yet professional with all passengers and flight crew. My work with the Air Force has helped prepare me to respond quickly and appropriately in emergency situations. I received a Purple Heart and a Medal of Valor from the United States Air Force after being shot down in Iraq. I was the commander of the aircraft when we were attacked, and I sustained a bullet wound to the right shoulder. I was able to land the damaged aircraft, extinguish a fire and evacuate the entire crew. We were able to remain in hiding until we were rescued 7 hours later by another Air Force plane. There were no fatalities in the incident.

My application and resume are attached along with a letter of reference from Senator Jeff Jeffries of the great State of Colorado. I hope you will consider my qualifications and honor me with an interview for a position as a pilot with your outstanding airline. I can be reached on my cell phone at (555)-555-5555 or via email at [email] I look forward to hearing from you soon.

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Free Pilot Cover Letter Sample

Compared to other professions and because of the amount of specialist training required fewer people are applying to be airline pilots than other jobs. But this doesn't mean your pilot cover letter is any less important. You still have to grab the attention of the airline and sell yourself. Use this sample airline pilot cover letter and specialist cover letter tips to impress employers.

Pilot Cover Letter Template

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This is a free cover letter template for pilot. Free Download and customize it according to the sample text below.

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Free pilot cover letter sample (text).

Jack Pilot Address: xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxx Tel: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Email: xxxxxxxx Linkedin: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Having recently unfrozen my ATP certificate and gained the required flying ours and experience I believe I am the perfect addition to your pilot crew for World Airlines. I am also a keen follower of aviation news about the latest developments in technology and feel I have much to offer your team.

My ATP instructors regularly marked my performance as 'outstanding' and 'exceptional' and a quick appraisal of my records will display a near-flawless flight record to date.

I successfully achieved my Commercial Pilot's criteria and certificate, and as mentioned before I have completed all the ATP's knowledge and practical tests. In the last few weeks, I have also completed the FAA's required 1500 flight hours to be eligible to fly commercial flights.

I am excited to join such a dynamic and forward-thinking airline to start my career as a commercial airline pilot.

Your airline's focus on innovation and development is of great interest to me. The acquisition of Boeing fourth-generation air-planes will massively improve your performance the new routes direct into New Orleans and Bhutan, in particular, are exciting and new challenges I would revel in taking on.

Reading about your company I was impressed by your drive and the scale of your ambition, as well as your insistence on quality. This is the kind of culture I want to belong to and I feel I have so much to offer you in delivering your world-class service.

I would love the opportunity to display how my skills will be of benefit to your crew and look forward to discussing this with you further.

Kind regards, Jack Pilot

Tips for Writing Pilot Cover Letter

Being an airline Pilot is an incredibly skilled and specialist job role, you don't need to just achieve academic qualifications but also specialist qualifications and flight hours to start your career. Because of this, it is very important that you include the correct information quickly and easily accessible in your airline pilot cover letter. You need to make sure all the relevant achievements are shown.

These tips explain the breakdown of the above sample pilot cover letter with supporting advice. Follow these for pilot job success.

How to Edit Pilot Cover Letter Template

To edit a PDF cover letter template, you need to choose a professional PDF editor and I recommend you Wondershare PDFelement - PDF Editor . It is an ultimate PDF solution that can help you create and edit PDF cover letters smoothly.

airline pilot cover letter

Step 1. Open the Pilot Cover Letter Template

pilot cover letter

Step 2. Click on "Edit" and Enter Your Text as You Like

airline pilot cover letter

Step 3. Complete and Save Your Pilot Cover Letter

pilot cover letter

Posted by Elise Williams to Updated: 2022-09-06 10:05:16

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Aviation Cover Letter Examples in 2023

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The aviation field provides over 87 million jobs globally with strong benefits and competitive salaries. The industry continued to experience growth despite the unique challenges posed during the Covid-19 pandemic. Whether you’re seeking a position as a professional airline pilot, flight attendant, or aircraft maintenance technician, numerous employment opportunities are available within the aviation space. Still, you’ll need to create a strong cover letter to capitalize on them.

Using our Aviation Cover Letter Building Guide will allow you to:

Aviation Cover Letters

Aviation_Example-1.pdf

Aviation Text-Only Cover Letters

Years of experience.

Jessica Lang Flight Attendant | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | 123 Santa Maria, San Francisco, CA 12345

January 1, 2022

Tyrone Jackson Hiring Manager American Airlines (987) 654-3210 [email protected]

Dear Mr. Jackson,

As a flight attendant with over six years of experience, I’ve developed an advanced understanding of client relations and airline operations. During my time with Jet Blue Airlines, I achieved customer satisfaction ratings of over 95% over the course of 300+ domestic flights across the U.S. I believe that my customer service experience and communication skills will allow me to excel in the flight attendant position with your organization.

American Airlines reputation for providing high-end customer service to passengers strongly aligns with my professional background. I am confident that I can aid your team in continuing this reputation for excellence based on the following achievements in my career:

I hope to speak with you further regarding how my strong customer service and flight operations background can benefit your team. You may contact me via phone or email at your earliest convenience. I appreciate your time and consideration.

Sincerely, Jessica Lang

Raymond Ortiz Airline Pilot | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | 123 Bedford Avenue, New York, NY, 12345

Cynthia Roberts Hiring Manager Delta Airlines (987) 654-3210 [email protected]

Dear Ms. Roberts,

During my time as a commercial airline pilot with Spirit Airlines, I completed over 3,000 hours of cross-country flights to and from the New York area. These experiences have allowed me to develop an expertise in the operation and maintenance of Airbus A321T and Boeing 77-300ER aircraft, which I believe makes me the ideal candidate for the pilot position with your organization.

Delta Airlines’ reputation for both the quality of its aircraft and its commitment to passenger safety is what draws me to apply for this position. I believe that my strong background as a commercial airline pilot would be an asset to your team based on my extensive flight hours:

I would like to schedule an interview to provide more insights into how my background as an airline pilot can be an asset to your organization. Feel free to contact me via phone or email for additional questions about my background. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely, Raymond Ortiz

Sarah Johnson Air Traffic Controller | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | 123 Bridge Street, Boston, MA 12345

Caleb Morris Hiring Manager Boston Air Traffic Control Center (987) 654-3210 [email protected]

Dear Mr. Morris,

With over ten years of experience as an air traffic controller, I have extensive experience coordinating airport flight traffic to reduce delays, ensure compliance with FAA regulations, and prevent critical safety failures and collisions. I believe that my ability to manage critical situations under pressure would be a valuable asset to your team in the air traffic control specialist role with your company.

The Boston Air Traffic Control Center has a reputation for excellence and professionalism that strongly aligns with my background within the aviation field. I believe that my leadership capabilities would be an asset to your team based on the following achievements in my career:

I hope to schedule an interview with you to discuss how my leadership qualifications can be an asset to your air traffic control team. You may contact me via phone or email at your earliest convenience. I appreciate your time and consideration.

Sincerely, Sarah Johnson

Aviation Cover Letter Tips

Now that you understand how to write a strong aviation cover letter, we’ll provide additional expert tips to help you put our methodology into practice as you construct your own document. Unlike the resume, the cover letter can be used as a vehicle to provide unique insights into your professional background and demonstrate how your experience makes you the right fit for the organization’s culture. As you identify key accomplishments to feature on your cover letter, you’ll want to research the company you’re applying to and focus on relevant achievements that meet their needs. Below, you’ll find three expert tips to help you craft a compelling cover letter for the aviation industry:

1. Highlight Your Customer Service Expertise

Hiring managers want to see specific examples and tangible insights into your customer service experience as they evaluate your application. An airline’s reputation hinges on customer satisfaction. Organizations will be much more likely to invite you to interview if you showcase that you have a successful background in achieving high-performance metrics for your previous organizations. In the example below, the job seeker showcases their high customer service ranking across hundreds of flights, which speaks to their strong client relations and communication skills:

2. Quantify Your Achievements Within the Aviation Field

Utilizing numbers and appropriate metrics to your advantage can provide helpful context to enhance the impact of your professional achievements. This is especially important if you’re pursuing a position as a commercial airline pilot, as most hiring managers will be heavily focused on analyzing your flight time, cross-country hours, and night-time hours when evaluating your application. In the example below, the job seeker utilizes bullet points within the cover letter to provide a clear overview of their aviation experience and flight hours:

Delta Airlines’ reputation for both the quality of its aircraft and its commitment to passenger safety is what draws me to apply for this position. I believe that my strong background as a commercial airline pilot would be an asset to your team based on my extensive flight hours:

3. Showcase Your Leadership Capabilities

Whether you’re managing passengers as a flight attendant or leading teams as a professional pilot, leadership skills are essential for success within the aviation industry. Highlighting your ability to interface effectively with diverse passenger populations and flight teams will be extremely valuable to prospective employers during the application process. In the example below, the job seeker is seeking a position as an air traffic control specialist. This type of role requires strong leadership skills during critical safety situations, and the candidate does an effective job of demonstrating their ability to provide safety recommendations and instructions to pilots under pressure:

Other Resume & Cover Letter Examples

IMAGES

  1. Pilot Cover Letter Samples & Templates [PDF+Word] 2022

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  2. Pilot Cover Letter Sample Pdf

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  3. Airline Pilot Cover Letter Samples

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  4. How To Write Flight Attendant Cover Letter

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  5. Example Resume Cover Letter For Pilots

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  6. Pilot cover letter

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COMMENTS

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    I am applying for the position of Airline Pilot as seen advertised. I believe the skills and experience I have to offer in this respect will prove to be of

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    I hope you will consider my qualifications and honor me with an interview for a position as a pilot with your outstanding airline. I can be reached on my cell

  9. Free Pilot cover letter Samples

    Tips for Writing Pilot Cover Letter. Being an airline Pilot is an incredibly skilled and specialist job role, you don't need to just achieve

  10. Aviation Cover Letter Examples in 2023

    Whether you're seeking a position as a professional airline pilot, flight attendant, or aircraft maintenance technician, numerous employment