Pilot resume template
A clean starting structure with example content grounded in what pilots actually do day to day, not generic filler. Download and replace the bracketed placeholders with your own details.
Which resume format should you use?
Reverse chronological
You have a steady work history. This is the format almost every recruiter and ATS expects by default.
Functional
You're changing fields or have gaps in your employment. Leads with skills rather than a job-by-job timeline.
Combination
You're early career or have worked consistently but for only a few employers. Blends a skills summary with a shorter chronological history.
This template uses the reverse chronological format: the one most pilots should default to, since most Australian recruiters and ATS software expect it.
Professional summary
Commercial pilot with experience conducting pre-flight checks, flight planning and crew coordination across regional and line operations. Known for sound judgement in high-pressure situations and strict adherence to CASA regulations. Comfortable operating glass cockpit avionics and managing flight performance from takeoff through to landing.
Key skills
- Flight planning and navigation
- Operations management
- Risk and internal controls
- Flight management systems (FMS)
- Glass cockpit avionics
- Radio communication equipment
- Weather radar and navigation systems
- Flight simulator training devices
- Crew resource management
- Attention to detail
- Time and deadline management
- Safety and compliance awareness
Experience: example bullet points
- Conducted comprehensive pre-flight inspections and systems checks across [aircraft type], identifying defects before dispatch and maintaining on-time departure performance
- Planned flight routes accounting for weather, fuel loads and airspace restrictions, adjusting plans in response to changing conditions en route
- Operated aircraft controls through takeoff, cruise and landing phases, managing fuel and weight limits within CASA operating requirements
- Communicated with air traffic control and cabin crew to coordinate safe, efficient flight operations across [route type/region]
- Responded to in-flight technical malfunctions and adverse weather with calm, procedure-based decision making, briefing crew and passengers as required
- Completed recurrent simulator training and CASA proficiency checks, maintaining currency across relevant type ratings
Education
Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) or Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) issued by CASA, typically gained through an approved flight training organisation alongside a Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence) or Bachelor of Aviation, plus a current Class 1 aviation medical certificate.
Keywords an ATS is likely to scan for
Applicant tracking systems match your resume against terms in the job ad before a person ever sees it. Only include the ones that actually apply to your experience, but if a term below matches something you've done, use the same wording the job ad uses.
- CASA
- CPL
- ATPL
- Class 1 medical certificate
- AOC
- CRM
- IFR
- VFR
- NVFR
- instrument rating
- multi-engine rating
- CASR Part 61
- RPT operations
- ADS-B
- English Language Proficiency (ELP)
Getting past ATS screening
- Match the specific skills, certifications and terms used in the job ad, not just your own wording for the same thing.
- Keep formatting simple: no tables, text boxes, columns, headers/footers or graphics. Parsers frequently drop content placed in these.
- Submit as .docx or PDF unless the job ad specifies otherwise.
- Use standard section headings (Experience, Education, Skills) rather than creative alternatives.
- List your core skills and technical competencies in their own section so a keyword scan can find them instantly.
This is a starting point, not a guarantee of interviews. Tailor every bullet point to your own real experience and the specific job ad.