cover letter sample for pilot job

Build my resume

• Resume builder
• Build a better resume in minutes
• Resume examples
• 2,000+ examples that work in 2024
• Resume templates
• 184 free templates for all levels
• Cover letters
• Cover letter generator
• It's like magic, we promise
• Cover letter examples
• Free downloads in Word & Docs

5 Pilot Cover Letter Examples Taking Flight in 2024

• Pilot Cover Letter
• Pilot Cover Letters by Experience
• Pilot Cover Letters by Role
• Write Your Pilot Cover Letter

Your role as a pilot is all about taking to the skies and ensuring a safe and efficient flight. You’re responsible for your passengers’ lives and each flight’s success.

Your daily tasks are nothing short of remarkable, including pre-flight checks, navigation planning, communication with air traffic control, and handling unforeseen challenges with composure and expertise.

Writing a cover letter to accompany your pilot resume is a totally different kind of challenge, but necessary if you want to level up your career.

We’re here to assist you in creating a cover letter that soars above the competition. Explore our pilot cover letter examples and valuable tips to make this process a breeze.

Pilot Cover Letter Example

USE THIS TEMPLATE

Microsoft Word

Google Docs

Block Format

Why this cover letter works

• Instead of arranging your professional experiences haphazardly, begin with the most recent one, moving backward in time. An example would be a chief pilot role, followed by senior and junior first officer roles. Whichever your narrative, break each experience into specific duties and quantified accomplishments.

Level up your cover letter game

Relax! We’ll do the heavy lifiting to write your cover letter in seconds.

Entry-level Pilot Cover Letter Example

• Talk about safety protocols, aircraft handling, fostering a secure environment for passengers, and meeting the minimum flight hours. Then, seal the deal with a mention or attachment of your FAA Airmen and FAA First Class Medical certificates.

Low-Hour Pilot Cover Letter Example

• Such praises, whether they applaud your commitment to aviation safety, flight operation excellence, or strong situational awareness, are sure to augment your appeal in the aviation job market. It’s simply about providing a human-centric perspective to your competence, which could set you apart from the competition.

Aviation Cover Letter Example

• There are multiple approaches to company knowledge. You could applaud a recent achievement (cue, Boeing 787 Dreamliner Cabin Design), drop a mention of an impressive customer rating on an industry-pertinent review site like Tripadvisor, or align your aspirations with the company’s mission.

Airline Pilot Cover Letter Example

• See how Malik takes us through his application of Garmin G1000, ForeFlight, X-plane, and Prepar3D for flight planning, navigation, and flight simulations. Use such narratives to showcase your adaptability and ability to stay on top of the evolving aviation technological landscape.

Related cover letter examples

• Pilot Resume
• Flight Attendant
• Firefighter
• Police Officer
• Customer Service

How to Write the Perfect Pilot Cover Letter

Your experience as a pilot has honed your attention to detail, a critical skill that will also come in handy when crafting a standout cover letter. To make a compelling case for your suitability, you need to convey your abilities to potential employers. But how do you achieve this in a concise letter?

The key is to skillfully incorporate elements of the job description into your cover letter. For example, if the role emphasizes strong communication skills, demonstrate your ability to liaise effectively with crew members and air traffic control. Tailoring your cover letter in this way demonstrates that you’re not just any pilot; you’re the ideal candidate who’s ready to take the company to new heights.

Starting off right with a solid intro

To kick off your pilot cover letter effectively, always strive for a personalized greeting that addresses the recipient by name. You can do this by researching the company on platforms like LinkedIn, visiting its website, or even making a quick phone call. If you’ve exhausted all other options, a “Dear Hiring Manager” should still do the trick. 

After the greeting, focus on creating an engaging opening paragraph that instantly captures the reader’s attention. Highlight what makes you the ideal fit for the role, whether it’s your unwavering commitment to flight safety, your extensive experience in handling various aircraft, or your exceptional problem-solving skills that ensure smooth flights. 

The same applies if you’re a dispatcher—focus on your ability to work with others and ensure happy outcomes for every flight.

To show you what not to do, here’s a little example. It lacks enthusiasm, doesn’t convey any unique qualifications, and doesn’t engage the reader’s interest. Make sure you do better!

I’m fresh out of pilot school and I need a new job. I hope you can hire me.

Instead, aim to emulate this next example. It’s friendly, passionate, and gets right to the point—showcasing your piloting skills. 

Much better!

As United Airlines seeks a proactive and skilled navigator for the skies, I’m excited to apply my notable aircraft operation understanding, expertise in aircraft performance calculation, altitude and airspeed management, and more. My ability to acclimate to varying conditions, competence in making high-stakes decisions, and deep-seated familiarity with the aviation industry renders me an excellent fit for the airline pilot role within your esteemed enterprise.

Crafting the perfect body paragraphs

The body paragraphs in a cover letter serve as the heart of your application, following up on the strong opening. Here, you should delve into your aviation career and highlight your proudest achievements. 

For pilots, this could include successfully executing complex flight plans, maintaining an impeccable safety record, or demonstrating exceptional leadership in challenging situations. If you’re working in dispatch or another aviation-related role, make sure to adjust your cover letter and resume to match its demands.

To add weight to your claims, back up these achievements with concrete metrics. Share data like the number of flight hours logged, on-time departure records, or the efficiency improvements you’ve brought to flight operations.

Compelling!

As a flight operations officer at Southern Airways Express, I enhanced radio communication efficiency by 19%. Aided by the Sigma-7 communication system, I resolved approximately 187 instances of potential miscommunication, fostering safer flights.

Wrapping things up the right way

The closing paragraph is your opportunity to highlight your enthusiasm and show that you’ve researched the company and its values. 

For example, if you’re seeking a role at an airline known for its commitment to safety, express your dedication to upholding and enhancing safety standards in your flying career.

You can also mention how you intend to contribute to the company’s success, such as by leveraging your expertise in advanced aircraft technology to enhance operational efficiency.

Finally, express gratitude for the opportunity to apply and leave the cover letter with a professional sign-off, such as “Sincerely, [Your Name].”

Here’s an example that doesn’t follow this advice. It shows no passion, instead showing that they prioritize their vacation over getting the job.

I’m looking forward to working with you. Keep in mind that I can’t start sooner than next month because I’m going on vacation.

Instead, try to emulate this next example. Reiterating their job skills , this applicant showcases their reliability and the instant value they’ll bring to the team. 

Carrying forward my unwavering focus on passenger safety and seamless flight experience, I’m ready to contribute as your airline dispatcher. Managing the logistical ins and outs of Leihökü Suites, I can channel my knowledge and skills to offer remarkable service on the ground and in the air. Looking forward to a deeper conversation on my qualifications for this role. Thank you.

As a pilot, the ability to convey a message in a few words is pretty crucial, and the same applies to your cover letter. Don’t go above a single page. This includes opening and closing paragraphs and then two or three body paragraphs.

Research the company thoroughly for specific details about its values, mission, or recent achievements. Incorporate this information into your cover letter to demonstrate your genuine interest and alignment with the company’s goals.

Emphasize your relevant education, certifications, and transferable skills. For instance, if you’re a certified pilot or hold relevant licenses, highlight them. Discuss any aviation-related coursework or training, and focus on transferable skills like problem-solving, adaptability, and teamwork gained from other work experiences . Don’t forget to mention your in-flight hours, as most airlines have strict requirements for that.

• Shop Back Issues
• Aircraft For Sale
• Destinations
• Learn To Fly

Flying Brands

• The Ultimate FLYING Giveaway
• I.L.A.F.F.T. Podcast
• Modern Flying
• Helicopters
• The New Owner
• Avionics and Apps
• Instrument/accessories
• Retrofit avionics
• Oem avionics
• Portable/handhelds
• Aviation Gear
• Pilot supplies
• Aviation apps
• Flight School Guide
• Learn to Fly
• NIFA/SAFECON
• What A CFI Wants You To Know
• Flight planning
• I.L.A.F.F.T.

How to Write an Aviation Cover Letter

It probably won’t apply to all jobs in the industry, but it’s a good way to distinguish yourself from the pack..

[File photo: Adobe Stock]

So far in this series, we have covered how to write an aviation resume and how to apply for a pilot job online . There is a third career media skill that is important to know, though it won’t apply to all positions, and that is how to write a cover letter. 

The cover letter may seem like a bit of an anachronism, and in some ways it is. Few large airlines ask for one anymore; you may have noticed that the AirlineApps base application doesn’t even allow you to attach a cover letter (or a resume, for that matter). At large airlines doing a great deal of hiring, the process is quite data-driven, and the computer that spits out your name to be interviewed by a human will have zero appreciation of a well-crafted cover letter. Still, even at these companies you will bring your resume to the interview, and this should be accompanied by a cover letter—even if it seems destined to languish, unread, in the interviewer’s file folder. 

The cover letter assumes much greater importance for corporate jobs, at smaller companies, whenever mailing or emailing your resume unbidden, when pounding the street and “cold-calling” potential employers, and when meeting recruiters at job fairs. Your cover letter accompanies and enhances your resume by fleshing out a potential employer’s idea of you. It’s more important in the early stages of your career, when your credentials alone aren’t so impressive. By presenting a neat, well-organized, well-written cover letter, you are introducing yourself as a neat, well-organized, and intelligent candidate—a future employee more valuable than your certificates and hours alone might indicate. 

Not a Writer?

The challenge here is that there are plenty of people who are neat, well-organized, and intelligent who are not naturally good writers. If this describes you, I highly suggest that you enlist the help of more literate friends or family members, even to the point of having someone ghost write your basic cover letter. If you don’t know such a person, hire one online (starving writers are a dime a dozen), and get them to proof your resume while you’re at it. Readability is everything; an overly wordy, confusing, or typo-riddled cover letter will quickly be cast aside. 

What Goes in a Cover Letter?

Your cover letter should take the form of a one-page business letter; an example is above with a key for reference. The letter need not be long, and in many cases might fill half the page. It should be left-justified in block format, with a single space between most elements before the signature block. It should be semi-formal in tone, use active voice, and be personalized for each job that you are interested in. Most will be similar enough that it’s useful to create a baseline stock copy, and then modify as needed. 

The first element is your home or permanent address, without your name or title (1). After a single space, put today’s date, in written rather than digital format (2). Next, write the name and address of the company you are targeting (3). Ideally you will know the name and title of the person who does the hiring, and this should precede the address. Do some digging if necessary; this will demonstrate knowledge of the target company. 

The salutation (4) should be personalized if you know the recipient’s name, and should take the form of “Dear Ms. Lastname,” “Dear Mr. Lastname,” or “Dear Firstname Lastname.” If you don’t know the recipient’s name, the salutation should be gender-neutral. “To Whom It May Concern:” is rather impersonal; “Dear Sir or Madam,” or “Dear Sir/Madam,” is better. 

The body of the letter should be three or four paragraphs. In the first paragraph (5), state your purpose for writing, i.e. your interest in the job. This is a good place to demonstrate knowledge of the company, to appropriate their buzzwords or slogans, and to drop the names of any internal recommendations. This is a place for active verbs and vivid adjectives. You are capturing the reader’s interest. 

In the middle paragraph or paragraphs (6), you are summarizing your background and experience as it relates to this particular job. You don’t want this to just be a redundant reiteration of your resumé; you want to better flesh out who you are, why you want the job, and why you’d be the ideal candidate, making your case in ways that you canno t within the rigid confines of a resumé. It’s OK to get a little personal here, sharing the influences that made you who you are, and explaining (in a positive manner) why you’re ready to move on to this job (7). This is a good spot to humblebrag how you’ve been a positive force at your current and previous employers (8), and to bring up subtle factors that set you apart from the competition (9). 

The closing paragraph (10) is the place to make your call to action. You’re asking for an interview here; don’t be shy about it. Make reference to enclosures, include your contact information, and close on a gracious note. 

The signature block (11) should include a valediction (“Sincerely,” is a safe bet; “Sincerely yours,” “Respectfully yours,” or “Cordially,” are also good options), and then four spaces, followed by your name, formatted as it appears on the header of your resume. Within the four spaces you can insert a graphic of your signature, or leave blank to be physically signed if printed on paper, or just leave blank altogether. After your name and an additional space, type the word “Enclosures:” and the number of physical or email attachments included.

If this cover letter is intended to be taken with you while you pound the pavement or attend job fairs, print it on high-quality paper similar (but not necessarily identical) to that of your resume. 

More From V1 Rotate

How professional pilots can survive probationary periods, financing the pro pilot dream…without getting scammed, v1 rotate: new zealand by air, a primer on pilot certificate conversions, make a run for the border, v1 rotate: flying yourself into mexico’s baja peninsula, new to flying, already have an account.

Professional Pilot Cover Letter Example for 2024

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.

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…

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):

• To the [team you're applying for] Department,
• Dear Paul Black,
• Dear Hiring Manager,
• Dear Ms. Stone

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”.

Cover letter examples by industry

• Truck Driver

Cover letters helped people get noticed

Updated for today’s recruitment standards

Worried your cover letter design is past the expiration date? We’ll help you craft a new one that leaves an impression and beats luck.

Daniel Pietersen

Senior customer support engineer.

" Enhancv gave me a sense of relief and a feeling of confidence when passing it along to a potential employer. "

Daniel Pietersen on using Enhancv

Check out more winning cover letter examples for inspiration

Learn from people who have succeeded in their job hunt.

• Teacher Assistant Cover Letter
• Registered Nurse Cover Letter
• Chemist Cover Letter
• Restaurant Manager Cover Letter
• Marketing Assistant Cover Letter
• Math Teacher Cover Letter
• Bartender Cover Letter
• Management Cover Letter
• Phlebotomist Cover Letter
• Police Officer Cover Letter
• Esthetician Cover Letter
• Business Consultant Cover Letter

Pair your cover letter with a resume that leaves an impression

Want to become the center of attention? Pair your cover letter with an eye-catching resume. Check out our Pilot resume examples and build yours in minutes.

Use templates that match in design to prove your strong attention to detail.

Imposter Syndrome at Work: 4 Strategies to Battle It Out

7 internship interview questions and answers, how to write your first job resume, how to put entrepreneur on resume, should i make my resume read only, should you include citizenship on your resume.

• Create Resume
• Terms of Service
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Preferences
• Resume Examples
• Resume Templates
• AI Resume Builder
• Resume Summary Generator
• Resume Formats
• Resume Checker
• Resume Skills
• How to Write a Resume
• Modern Resume Templates
• Simple Resume Templates
• Cover Letter Builder
• Cover Letter Examples
• Cover Letter Templates
• Cover Letter Formats
• How to Write a Cover Letter
• Resume Guides
• Cover Letter Guides
• Job Interview Guides
• Job Interview Questions
• Career Resources
• Meet our customers
• Career resources
• English (UK)
• French (FR)
• German (DE)
• Spanish (ES)
• Swedish (SE)

© 2024 . All rights reserved.

Made with love by people who care.

Pilot Cover Letter Example

Though the resume rolls out your professional accomplishments and responsibilities before the potential hiring officer, it does not provide the gist of your overall personality and relevant skill sets. It also helps the employer to gauge your practical writing skills. A Pilot Cover Letter must express your interest in the specific job opening and role-specific attributes.

With our Pilot Cover Letter Sample, you can draft a gripping and compelling cover letter for yourself.

A Pilot is a well-informed and proficient professional who has in-depth knowledge of the system of flight. He has a wide variety of responsibilities to carry out, amongst which inspecting the flight and ensuring passengers’ safety are the important ones.

• Cover Letters

What to Include in a Pilot Cover Letter?

Roles and responsibilities.

A few of the primary job responsibilities performed by a Pilot are highlighted below:

• Participate in the pre-flight briefing.
• Examine the aircraft before taking off and after landing .
• Develop a flight plan with the co-pilot.
• Ensure safety and comfort of the passengers.
• Keep a tab on the fuel tank to monitor the fuel level .
• Constantly communicate with the air traffic control team to know the route clearance.
• Update the cabin crew and passengers about the risks and threats.
• Keep abreast with the latest flight technologies.
• Carry out other responsibilities .

Education & Skills

Pilot skills:.

• Excellent communication skills in order to effectively communicate with the passengers, coworkers, and air traffic team.
• The remarkable problem-solving approach in order to identify and resolve the approaching risk.
• Incredible time management skills in order to reach the specified destination within the set time limit.
• Capable of working under pressure.
• Ability to ensure the safety and comfort of the passengers.
• Professional and polite demeanor while interacting with the patients.

Pilot Educational Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in aeronautics or aviation field is required.
• Must have completed specific training hours.
• Qualify the state examination.
• Licensure to practice.
• Familiarity with the aircraft equipment and systems.

Pilot Cover Letter Example (Text Version)

Dear Mr./Ms.,

I was excited to discover your advertisement for the available position of Pilot with your reputed airlines. Therefore I am writing to self recommend my candidature for the vacancy. With my exceptional plane flying skills and four years of prior experience, I believe that my contribution to the role would be valuable.

Outlining a few of my job responsibilities for your review:

• Conduct the flight check prior to taking off and after landing.
• Ensure the safety of the passengers present in the aircraft.
• Keep a tab on the weather conditions.
• Communicate with the air traffic control team, co-pilot, and cabin crew throughout the journey.
• Understand the flight plan and route thoroughly before taking off.
• Perform other instructed duties.

Apart from the duties mentioned above, I possess exceptional communication and interpersonal skills and solid attention to detail. I am sure to exceed your expectations.

I am grateful for your time and consideration. You can take a look at my resume to get an insight into the particulars of my career. I hope for a favorable reply from your end.

Best Regards, [Your Name]

You must ensure to draft an interesting cover letter by summarizing your key skills and training experience. Our Pilot Resume Sample will help you craft an intriguing and gripping resume to get through the initial screening procedure.

Customize Pilot Cover Letter

Get hired faster with our free cover letter template designed to land you the perfect position.

Related Logistics Cover Letters